I Love Salmon and Lampreys: A Native Story of Resilience, by Brook S. Thompson/Illustrated by Anastasia Khmelevska, (Feb. 2025, Heyday), $20, ISBN: 9781597146685
Ages 4-8
Growing up, Brook Thompson loved fishing with her family and hearing their stories; she also learned to care for the salmon and lampreys that sustained generations of her family. The dams along the Klamath River in Northern California endangered the fish, leaving the fish susceptible to “ich”, a parasite, that killed over 60,000 salmon. A member of the Yurok and Karuk Tribes, Thompson joined the tribal members and community that protested the dams until several were removed. Thompson’s story goes beyond the biographical to explain how the story of the fish mirrors her own journey to becoming a scientist and engineer; their pasts are rooted together in history, starting with the fish sustaining her ancestors. Like the salmon and lampreys, Thompson explored a life away from home, returning after receiving an education that will allow her to “take care of fish for people in the future, like my ancestors did for me in past years”. Khmelevska’s endearing artwork is rich with warm colors and expressive faces. A rendering of a grown-up Thompson wears a dress readers will recognize in an author photo from the back matter. Back matter includes fun facts, maps, and a note about the Klamath River dams. The book’s text utilizes a font called OpenDyslexic, making it easier for readers with dyslexia to enjoy. A good additional purchase for picture book biographies. Pair with We Are Water Protectors for Earth Day displays.
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