Illustration of Prigi standing near a polluted river with trash and factories behind him.
The River Warrior
The River Warrior
Average Rating: 0.0
Country: Indonesia
Author: Tyas Widjati
Illustrator: Heru Setiawan
Ages: 8-10
Publisher: Room to Read
Story Source: Literacy Cloud

About The Story

Prigi, a young boy growing up near the Brantas River in Indonesia, was heartbroken by what he saw—foul smells, floating trash, and poisoned water. Once home to fish, birds, and riverbank life, the river was now choked by plastic, chemical waste, and pollution from a nearby paper factory. Determined to act, Prigi began a long journey to clean his river—facing resistance, setbacks, and disbelief. The River Warrior is a powerful story of environmental courage, reminding readers that real change often begins with one voice that refuses to stay silent.

Themes

Biography
Environment & Conservation

Sub Themes

Courage and persistence
Water pollution
Eco-justice and advocacy
Youth Leadership

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

  • Understand how industrial waste and human negligence pollute water sources.
  • Learn about the ripple effect of pollution on fish, plants, and communities.
  • Be introduced to the concept of environmental activism and standing up for nature.
  • Recognize that anyone, regardless of age, can spark change.
  • Reflect on their own water usage and how to protect this vital resource.

Activities

  • 1. Water Watchers Journal: Students observe and document how water is used (and wasted) in their homes for a week.
  • 2. Pollution Simulation: Use a bowl of water with bits of trash to represent a polluted river. Students brainstorm cleanup solutions.
  • 3. Poster Campaign: Create posters urging people not to dump garbage into rivers.
  • 4. Interview Project: Interview local environmentalists or community workers.
  • 5. Class Resolution: Write and sign a 'River Warrior Pledge' to protect water.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

  • What are some ways we use water every day?
  • Have you ever seen a polluted river or lake? What did it look or smell like?
  • Where do you think the trash in water comes from?
  • Why is clean water important to all living things?

During reading

  • What made Prigi upset about the river?
  • What kind of waste was being dumped in the Brantas River?
  • How did Prigi respond to the pollution?
  • What challenges did he face?

After reading

  • Why do you think some people ignored the pollution problem?
  • What do you admire most about Prigi’s actions?
  • How can communities come together to clean water bodies?
  • What would you do if your local river was polluted?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 6 — Clean Water & Sanitation

The story centers around the urgent need for clean water sources and pollution prevention.

SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production

Teaches responsible waste disposal and industrial accountability.

SDG 13 — Climate Action

Highlights environmental degradation caused by human activity and calls for urgent action.

SDG 15 — Life on Land 

Connects water health to broader ecosystem survival.

Comments

There are no comments

Leave a Reply

Sign up to receive notifications whenever we
release new books

Share this post

Start typing and press Enter to search

Shopping Cart
Sign up with Google