I Love Salmon and Lampreys - by Brook M Thompson (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

A 2025 Read Across America Pick from the National Education Association

For young readers, an inspiring story about a river, a successful Native-led movement for environmental justice, and the making of a scientist.

Growing up in the Yurok and Karuk Tribes, Brook Thompson learned to care for the fish that nurtured her and her family. She knew that along the Klamath River in Northern California, salmon and lampreys are a needed part of life. But she also saw how these fish were in danger. People had built dams along the Klamath River, making it very hard for salmon and lampreys to live. Tribal people and their friends organized to have four of the dams removed, and they won. In I Love Salmon and Lampreys, Thompson tells this inspiring tale, and she shares how it motivated her to become a scientist. Featuring adorable illustrations by Anastasia Khmelevska, as well as fun facts about salmon and lampreys, this is a stirring story about stewarding nature for the generations to come.

Review Quotes

A 2025 Read Across America Pick from the National Education Association

"Brook's journey from a curious, fish-loving kid to a scientist and activist illustrates her love for salmon and lampreys, and how her Yurok and Karuk heritage led her to protect the Klamath River, honor her ancestors, and help the environment." --National Education Association

"This straightforward account of how salmon and lamprey populations sustained Native American communities in the Pacific Northwest for thousands of years, only to face extinction due to human actions, flows like a legend. [...] Brook Thompson compares these salmon transitions to her own life, sharing how she left her family to go out to university to learn how to protect salmon and lampreys and then came home to fight for conservation rights as an engineer and scientist. Maps, back matter, and fun facts enhance this satisfying, engaging story." --Booklist

"Thompson hopes readers understand that with enough action and community support, change is possible." --Santa Cruz Sentinel

"A powerful story about protesting for positive changes that protect the environment." --Kids Bookshelf

"This gorgeous & touching picture book tells the inspiring story of a successful Native-led movement for environmental justice, and the making of a scientist. NGL, this book made me cry!! I am so grateful for Indigenous women scientists." --NDN Girls Book Club

"An absolutely delightful read! As someone who cherishes fishing for salmon with my found family, this story deeply resonated with me, and I'm already planning to gift several copies. This book is a beautifully crafted blend of memoir and history. [...] The narrative is both touching and informative, offering readers a meaningful introduction to the profound connection we share with the environment. What sets this picture book apart is its thoughtful approach to accessibility. It's written in a dyslexia-friendly font, which I think is a fantastic touch." --Indigenous Bookshelf

"Brook M. Thompson doesn't mince words: She loves salmon and lampreys, and feels her connection with them as a part of her tribal heritage. [...] Thompson describes not just what she loves about these fish but also how people helped care for them by removing dams from the Klamath River--and how she was inspired to go to college and become a scientist to learn more about how to protect the natural world." --The Virginian-Pilot

"Brook Thompson, in her compelling autobiographical story, will captivate children and touch their hearts. Thompson's eloquent and straightforward storytelling immediately immerses readers in the Native relationship with nature and will inspire both young and adult readers to think deeply about how the earth sustains us and how we can show our appreciation in return [...] The combination of Native culture and environmental awareness makes I Love Salmon and Lampreys a must-addition to school and public libraries." --Celebrate Picture Books

"The book not only celebrates the resilience of the Klamath River and its inhabitants but also highlights the profound impact of environmental justice on the lives of individuals and communities. It is a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in protecting our planet and ensuring a healthy future for generations to come." --Mama Likes This

"Thompson's text, which is printed in a font that makes it easier for readers with dyslexia to read, is smooth and accessible. There's a warm tone to it that mirrors her cultural pride." --Cracking the Cover

""An informative book that shares both culture and science. I see it being used in both social studies and science classes. It is a wonderful addition to any library!" --Crafty Moms Share

"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.'" --Mom Read It

"Readers will read a story of how tribal people fought for the safety of the salmon and the closing of several electric dams. [...] The book is based on real life events of the Native author who is also part of the neurodivergent community and has dyslexia. The font, Open Dyslexic, is used for the text of the book. This font is designed to make reading words easier for people with dyslexia. I Love Salmon and Lampreys is perfect for spring and Earth Day!" --The Late Bloomer's Blog

About the Author

Brook M. Thompson is a part of the Yurok and Karuk Tribes. She is a neurodivergent and Two-Spirit author with dyslexia. She has a BS in civil engineering from Portland State University and an MS in environmental engineering from Stanford University, and she will soon have a PhD in environmental studies from University of California, Santa Cruz, where she studies water, politics, restoration, and salmon. You can find out more about her at brookmthompson.com.

Anastasia Khmelevska is an illustrator based in Lviv, Ukraine. She has illustrated several children's books, including My Invisible Zoo, Marella the Mermaid, and Anything Helps. Follow her on Instagram @cute_miuu.