Warrior Grandma: The Story of Patricia Locke by Littlebrave Beaston is the latest title in the Change Maker series. Patricia Locke—whose Lakota name, Thawáchin Wašté Win, means “Compassionate Woman”—courageously fought for the equality of Indigenous people in the United States and around the world. She was not only a staunch advocate for the rights of Indigenous people but a loving mother and grandmother.
This book teaches the values of generosity, selflessness, and the importance of building strong family relationships. Readers will learn about how prejudice affects American Indians and how Patricia advocated for equal rights for Indigenous people during her lifetime. The book also discusses the qualities of leadership, the principle of consultation, and the importance of courage and perseverance in the face of oppression and attempted assimilation. Patricia acted as a bridge between two cultures—white and Indigenous—and, even in the face of overwhelming difficulties, she always demonstrated compassion toward others. She embodied the qualities of a true Change Maker.
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Warrior Grandma The Story of Patricia Locke
A powerful introduction to an important Native leader, blending biography, history, and cultural affirmation. This inspiring picture book biography celebrates Patricia Locke (Hunkpapa Lakota/Menominee), a dedicated activist and educator whose advocacy helped secure recognition for Native sovereignty and rights. Beaston introduces Locke as both a “warrior” and a “grandma,” blending her public accomplishments—such as her role in passing legislation to preserve Native languages and her work with the American Indian Higher Education Consortium—with her personal legacy of nurturing family and community. The text is accessible and empowering, emphasizing Locke’s perseverance in the face of systemic injustice. Young readers will come away with a sense of pride in Indigenous resilience and the importance of using one’s voice for justice. Illustrations convey cultural richness and warmth, grounding Locke’s story in both tradition and contemporary Native life.