AWARD-WINNING, BESTSELLING AUTHOR: Lindstrom is the author of We Are Water Protectors, which was a Caldecott Medal winner, a New York Times bestseller, a Jane Addams Peace Prize winner, a Charlotte Huck Honoree, and a Kirkus Prize finalist, among numerous other accolades.BIG OPPORTUNITY: We won this gorgeous and important book in a heated 10-bidder auction.PERSONAL STORY: As discussed in her author¿s note, this book is influenced by Lindstrom¿s grandmother, who was forced to keep her hair short at a residential Indian boarding school. After uncovering this generational trauma, Lindstrom was inspired to grow her hair for the strength, power, and resilience that it holds.INDIGENOUS PRIDE: This story from Lindstrom (Ojibwe and Anishinaabe/Métis) and Littlebird (a member of Oregon¿s Grand Ronde Confederated Tribe) highlights the historical oppression of many Indigenous peoples by the United States government, while celebrating Indigenous joy today.EMPOWERING: A universal story of dignity, self-acceptance, and family in the spirit of Hair Love and Eyes that Kiss at the Corners.ARTIST TO WATCH: Littlebird is a rising star whose powerful, bright, and bold artwork has an innate kid appeal and a distinctive look. This is her debut picture book.