FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
An Inspiring Picture Book Details a History-Making Indigenous-Led Movement to Protect the Klamath River and Save its Fish
In this charming children’s book, Yurok and Karuk activist Brook Thompson shares how Native tribes organized the largest dam removal in US history to save the salmon and lampreys of the Klamath River.
BERKELEY, CALIF. — Growing up on tribal lands along the Klamath River, Brook Thompson learned from an early age how to care for the fish that nurtured her and her family, the same fish that have been a vital life force for the Yurok and Karuk peoples for generations. When a massive fish die-off led to a near extinction event for the river’s chinook salmon and Pacific lampreys, tribal activists banded together to redouble their decades-long fight to remove the dams choking the Klamath. Their campaign resulted in the largest dam removal in US history and inspired young Brook to become a scientist and river warrior—a story she shares in her inspiring children’s book I Love Salmon and Lampreys (on sale March 4, 2025).
With warmth and nostalgia I Love Salmon and Lampreys, illustrated by Anastasia Khmelevska, details how intricately Yurok and Karuk life is bound with the river, delighting in Brook’s memories of fishing and feasting with family. It also recounts the vivid shock that she experienced at the age of seven when she witnessed the catastrophic fish kill of 2002, and how this galvanized her to join the inter-generational campaign to “Undam the Klamath” and dedicate her life to becoming a scientist with the power to restore her homelands.
“It was devastating seeing thousands of dead bodies the same size as me in the river,” Thompson said of the experience when speaking with USA Today. In an interview with the BBC she describes the daunting scope of the river warriors’ goal to demolish the dams: “We were told it was never going to happen, that it was foolish to even ask for one removal. We were asking for four.” Yet in August 2024, the last of the four dams came down, and salmon and lampreys have already begun repopulating the Klamath, a triumph that Thompson celebrates in her picture book. “The biggest thing for me, the significance of the dam removal project, is just hope,” Thompson told the Los Angeles Times, “understanding that change can be made.”
That hope permeates Thompson’s stirring story book, offering readers a tale that “flows like a legend” (Booklist), reflects contemporary Native culture, and celebrates the power of collective action to bring about environmental justice. Rendered in open dyslexia font, I Love Salmon and Lampreys is an inviting read for children of all abilities, age 4 – 8, a rare and uplifting nonfiction book for young readers, and a critical addition to any child’s personal or local library.
Media Contacts:
Kalie Caetano
Marketing & Publicity Director, Heyday
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Praise for I Love Salmon and Lampreys
“A powerful story about protesting for positive changes that protect the environment.” —Kids Bookshelf
“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.” —Booklist
“This inspiring children’s book celebrates environmental justice and community action. […] 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
“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.” —Celebrate Picture Books
“Thompson hopes readers understand that with enough action and community support, change is possible.” —Nick Sestanovitch, Santa Cruz Sentinel
“The book is written in a manner that kids will understand, and the font is OpenDyslexic so it will be easier for people with dyslexia to read. […] It is a wonderful addition to any library!” —Crafty Moms Share
“I Love Salmon and Lampreys not only covers the environmental impact dams had on the Klamath River, it also celebrates Native life and traditions. […] There’s a warm tone to it that mirrors her cultural pride. Friendly illustrations by Anastasia Khmelevska are brightly colored and have a lovely touch of whimsy.” —Cracking the Cover
“This book is a beautifully crafted blend of memoir and history, offering a personal, heartfelt account of the author’s reciprocal relationship with salmon. It highlights the crucial role these fish play in our ecosystems, explores their struggles with the encroachment of settlers, and celebrates the vital efforts of Native communities in restoring and preserving their habitats.” —@indigenousbookshelf
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.
