Rolling Thunder: Walking Lake Ontario is about the Environment, Water, Indigenous Culture, and The Great Lakes. The story is seen through the eyes of a young Ojibway girl named Mai. Her family members are walking the perimeter of Lake Ontario to raise awareness about the harm being done to the Great Lakes. The journey begins at Niagara Falls, where her grandmother tells her about the Thunder Beings who send out rainbows above the water. Along the route, Mai spots a pair of owls, and with their hoot of "Who, who?", she wonders, "Who will come to help the water, and how can she help?" But, when Mai is taught about drums and drumming, does she find an answer?
Rolling Thunder: Walking Lake Ontario is the fifth book in the Water Walkers Series. It is based on the real-time Indigenous women and men who, in today's world, have courageously walked over 20,000 miles across the United States and Canada. The book is a tribute to Ojibway Grandmother Josephine Mandamin, who, with many followers, walked thousands of miles focusing on bringing "collective consciousness" about the condition of water, and treating water with dignity and respect. Illustrations are by award-winning Native American artist David W. Craig. Resource materials included.
Craig, David W.: - About the Artist-David W. CraigBorn and raised in the state of Washington, David W. Craig grew up surrounded by land as alive as it is beautiful. David began private art lessons at the age of nine. After high school graduation, he pursued his lifelong passion and earned a degree in art from Seattle Art Institute. David has done freelance work for national parks and for various commercial organizations, but currently, he focuses full-time on his own style of painting. Weaving together story, emotion, and moments in time with color and a vibrant sensitivity, each of David's pieces speaks to its viewers in a unique and powerful way. Watercolor mixed media, sculpting, and leather work are some of his media. Family ties are strong in the foothills of Mount Rainer, where David Craig paints and raises his two young daughters on a rural farm. Enrolled Chippewa (Ojibway), David and his daughters travel throughout the western United States attending tribal gatherings, powwows, and art shows.
Nitz, Kristin Ann: - Kristin Wolden Nitz is an avid sports fan, coach, and the author of many magazine articles on kids and sports. Nitz is the author of Suspect and Defending Irene, and has also written nonfiction books, including Play By Play Softball, Play By Play Track, and Play By Play Field. She lives in Michigan.
Trembath, Carol: - Carol Trembath is an educator, author, and environmental speaker. She was awarded a Bachelor of Arts from Western Michigan University, a Master of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University, and a second Master of Science in Educational Technology from Michigan State University. Carol taught as a classroom educator in the Plymouth Schools and as a media specialist in the Allen Park and Walled Lake Consolidated Schools. Carol is an award-winning author of seven books, including the Water Walkers Series, which presents what Native People have done to protect the Great Lakes and rivers across the United States and Canada. In addition, Carol's novel about Harriet Tubman, entitled Out of Slavery, won multiple awards, including the prestigious Eric Hoffer Montaigne Award, which is given to the most thought-provoking books. The award is dedicated to books that either illuminate, progress, or redirect thought. Additionally, Carol serves as a Solar System Ambassador for NASA.
