The Poisoned Water by Candy J. Cooper

Every book I read about the Flint Water Crisis makes me sad and angry. The stories of the suffering of the citizens of Flint are horrifying. It is revolting to know that governing officials made the economic decision that lead to this suffering, then covered it up.

Candy J. Cooper saw that the excellent books already written about the crisis, including The Poisoned City by Anna Clark and What the Eyes Don't See by Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, left some stories untold. In Poisoned Water, Cooper shares the stories of the primarily African American Flint citizens who alerted authorities and politicians that there was something wrong with the water. The crisis is an example of racist policies.

General Motors plants brought a migration of workers to the city who fought for a union and fair wages. When GM closed plants, those who could left the city. With the tax base decimated, Governor Snyder sent in an Emergency Manager [EM] to balance Flint's budget, disenfranchising elected officials.

Detroit water was expensive and the EM opted to use Flint River water while the city developed a new source. They sidestepped the use of anti-corrosives and added chemicals. The river water corroded the natural buildup in the pipes that had previously kept the lead from leaching into the water. The discolored, foul smelling water caused rashes, hair loss, and illness. People complained and were lied to by authorities who insisted the water tests showed no problems.

It took years before the people were heard, the water investigated, and officials admitted there was a problem.

"Who, then, were the heroes?" Cooper asks. Yes, the media "latched" on to some important folk. But left behind the grassroots activists and mothers and citizens without who stood up to power to demand justice.

The book is promoted for Middle Grade, and perhaps some young people that age will be able to handle it. I would recommend it for older teens and adults seeking a shorter history.

I was given a free ebook by the publisher through NetGalley. My review is fair and unbiased.

“Poignant . . . This detailed offering, the first specifically intended for young audiences, has multiple curriculum applications.” –  Booklist, starred review 

“Thoroughly sourced and meticulously documented, this stomach-churning, blood-boiling, tear-jerking account synthesizes a city's herculean efforts to access safe, clean water. . . . This compulsively readable, must-buy narrative nonfiction serves as the ultimate antidote to civic complacence.” –  School Library Journal, starred review

Poisoned Water: How the Citizens of Flint, Michigan, Fought for Their Lives and Warned the Nation
by Candy J Cooper; Marc Aronson
Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
Pub Date May 19, 2020
ISBN 9781547602322
PRICE $18.99 (USD)