An inspiring true story about how an activist in the Amazon worked
with other Indigenous communities to protect and preserve their sacred
lands and forests.
Patricia (Paty) Gualinga grew up in her Kichwa village in the Amazon of
Ecuador where mystical beings called Amazanga help protect the forest.
Paty traveled away from home for school until she was called
back--companies that said the government sold them property were
destroying her people's lands to look for oil. The Kichwa community
worked with other Indigenous groups to bring the Ecuadorian government
to the Court of Human Rights.
Lyrically told and beautifully illustrated, this moving story will
remind readers of the importance of nature conservation, perseverance,
and standing up for your community.
"A gorgeously told true story, full of lyricism, wonder, beautiful
artwork, and most importantly, HOPE. Stand as Tall as the Trees makes
my heart swell every time I read it. We need more stories like this--in
life and in our libraries."
--Todd Mitchell, Green Earth Book Award Honor Winner and Author of
The Namer of Spirits
"This moving and inspirational story of Patricia Gualinga's fight for
her community's Amazon rainforest is an urgent call to action to protect
the wilderness, which, in the poignant words of the authors, keeps us
all alive. Stand as Tall as the Trees is an ode to the power of
ordinary people to affect change. Lovingly written and illustrated, it
is a book that will inspire a new generation of activists."
--Lea Aschkenas, bilingual librarian and author of Arletis, Abuelo,
and the Message in a Bottle
"This picture book will capture your heart and imagination alike."
- Alda P. Dobbs, Winner of the Pura Belpré Honor Award and Author of
The Other Side of the River
"This gorgeous book will surely delight youngsters, but it will be on my
syllabus for graduate students studying Nature Writing as well. After
all, books for younger readers influence our cultural conversation about
the environment. Who doesn't remember their favorite nature-based
picture book? I think we all do, because they were seared into our
brains at a powerful moment. This book deserves to be one of those
memorable classics, worth studying for its important story, delightful
art, inclusion, and environmental ethic."
--Laura Pritchett, PhD, Director of the MFA in Nature Writing at
Western Colorado University and PEN USA Award Winning Author
"A true story full of wisdom and hope, this book's stunning beauty
ranges from the gorgeous illustrations to the powerful messages of
bravery, strength, and perseverance. Stand as Tall as the Trees is a
poetic and soulful gem that offers inspiration for readers of all
ages."
-- Bailey Cates, NYT bestselling author
