The Water Lady

How Darlene Arviso Helps a Thirsty Navajo Nation

By: Alice B. McGinty

Narrated by: Roger Willie

This inspiring picture book, adapted for audio, tells the true story of a woman who brings desperately needed water to families on the Navajo reservation every day.

Underneath the New Mexico sky, a Navajo boy named Cody finds that his family's barrels of water are empty. He checks the chicken coop—nothing. He walks down the road to the horses' watering hole. Dry. Meanwhile, a few miles away, Darlene Arviso drives a school bus and picks up students for school. After dropping them off, she heads to another job: she drives her big yellow tanker truck to the water tower, fills it with three thousand gallons of water, and returns to the reservation, bringing water to Cody's family, and many, many others.

Here is the incredible and inspiring true story of a Native American woman who continuously gives back to her community and celebrates her people.

©2021 Alice B. McGinty (P)2024 Listening Library

Critic reviews

“This quiet yet touching story will open young readers’ eyes in a multitude of ways.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Navajo artist Begay’s vibrant ink and watercolor art brings a stirring emotional undercurrent to this community-oriented narrative.” —Publishers Weekly

“McGinty’s storytelling, peppered with Navajo phrases and cultural cues, provides a balanced view of this life and through Cody’s perspective, just enough suspense.” —School Library Journal, starred review