“Stand as Tall as the Trees: How an Amazonian Community Protected the Rain Forest” by Patricia Gualinga and Laura Resau, illustrated by Vanessa Jaramillo, tells the true story of how the Kichwa people of Sarayaku defended their Amazon forest home from oil companies.

This is Patricia Gualinga’s own story. Patricia, called Paty in the book, grew up in her Kichwa village in Ecuador’s Amazon. She learned about the Amazanga, mystical forest protectors in her community’s traditions. When Paty left home for school, she was called back with urgent news. Oil companies claimed the Ecuadorian government sold them the land. They arrived with helicopters and guns to drill for oil on her people’s sacred territory.

Paty and her community didn’t accept this. They worked with other Indigenous groups across the Amazon to bring their case to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in Costa Rica. The story ends with their victory. The court ruled in their favor.

The book is written in flowing verse that reads like poetry. Vanessa Jaramillo’s watercolor illustrations show the forest’s beauty and the quiet strength of the Kichwa people. The images move between the lush Amazon and the formal courtroom where Paty and others made their case.

What makes this book powerful is that it doesn’t simplify the story. It shows the real threats Indigenous communities face when governments and corporations ignore their rights. It also shows that organized resistance works. The Kichwa community’s victory opened doors for other Indigenous movements fighting to protect their lands.

The back matter includes information about the Kichwa people, examples of Indigenous land rights movements around the world, a glossary, and selected sources. This makes the book valuable for deeper learning.

For educators: This book connects to multiple learning standards. It supports social studies units on human rights, government, and Indigenous peoples. It pairs well with environmental science lessons about rainforests and conservation. The book works for teaching about activism, organizing communities, and standing up for what’s right. Best suited for grades 3-5, though younger students can appreciate the story with guidance. Pull out a globe or world map to locate Ecuador and the Amazon. Discuss what it means to protect land and why rainforests matter to everyone on Earth.

For families: This book matters for children learning about fairness, justice, and protecting the environment. It shows kids that real people can make real change when they work together. The story is especially valuable for families discussing Indigenous rights, environmental protection, or what it means to stand up for your community. Patricia Gualinga co-wrote this book, making it an authentic voice from the community it represents. The book is available in both English and Spanish.

“Stand as Tall as the Trees” is an important addition to home and classroom libraries. It teaches children that protecting the Earth and defending people’s rights are connected. It celebrates the courage it takes to challenge powerful interests. Most importantly, it shows young readers that their voices matter too.

Note: An in-depth educational guide with activities, interviews, and a timeline of Patricia’s life is available free at lauraresau.com. Author Laura Resau donates a portion of her royalties to Indigenous rights organizations in Latin America.