Trash [Paperback]

Andy Mulligan (Author)

Book Description

Release date: October 11, 2011

In an unnamed Third World country, in the not-so-distant future, three “dumpsite boys” make a living picking through the mountains of garbage on the outskirts of a large city.

One unlucky-lucky day, Raphael finds something very special and very mysterious. So mysterious that he decides to keep it, even when the city police offer a handsome reward for its return. That decision brings with it terrifying consequences, and soon the dumpsite boys must use all of their cunning and courage to stay ahead of their pursuers. It’s up to Raphael, Gardo, and Rat—boys who have no education, no parents, no homes, and no money—to solve the mystery and right a terrible wrong.

Andy Mulligan has written a powerful story about unthinkable poverty—and the kind of hope and determination that can transcend it. With twists and turns, unrelenting action, and deep, raw emotion, Trash is a heart-pounding, breath-holding novel.


From the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 7-10–Three young teens, trash-picker living in the city dump of an unnamed third-world country, discover a mysterious bag one morning, triggering a chain of events that will change their lives forever. Raphael, Gordo, and Rat take turns nar-rating the story of how they uncover a network of political corruption and abuse of the poor. Each puzzle the boys solve leads to yet a new riddle for them to work out. The chase leads them throughout the city, exposing the great disparity be-tween the “haves” and the “have nots,” and the huge injustice this represents. Several run-ins with the police make it clear that getting caught means death for the three boys. They face moral dilemmas throughout and, ultimately, make good deci-sions. Their intelligence and characters make the condition in which they live seem even more unfair. While on the surface the book reads like a fast-paced adventure title, it also makes a larger statement about the horrors of poverty and injustice in the world. Occasionally the alternating viewpoints of the book become confusing, particularly when they switch mid-chapter. In spite of this, Trash is a compelling read. The action is riveting and the secret codes throughout will appeal mys-tery fans. Readers will be drawn to this title, and hopefully learn a little about the world outside their own country. Teens who enjoyed the film Slumdog Millionaire (2008) will find much to enjoy here.Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH
© Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

In an unnamed Third World city, Rat, Raphael, and Gardo live with thousands of other kids like them in a garbage dump, where they dig through the detritus looking for anything that could be profitable. When an important person loses something valuable in the refuse, the three boys embark on an engrossing, sobering mystery characterized by stealing, lying, and police brutality as well as generosity, trust, and ingenuity. Multiple characters describe the adventure, and although the switch between narrators may initially seem disorienting (a priest, housemother, and tombstone maker also provide their integral perspectives), the story flows more smoothly as it progresses, bolstered by the young characters’ well-articulated, authentic thoughts, feelings, and voices. Throughout, the boys’ significant sense of devotion and morality leads them from lives of desperation to miraculous possibilities. The culminating scenes contribute important elements of Day of the Dead celebrations and Robin Hood themes, further increasing the novel’s usefulness for discussion and study. Grades 6-9. --Andrew Medlar --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Ember; Reprint edition (October 11, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385752164
• ISBN-13: 978-0385752169
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.6 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #34,067 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 46 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars From one who's been to the real Smokey Mountain dumpsite October 26, 2010

By Mum J

Format:Hardcover

It's been 4 days since I read this book and I can't get it out of my mind. I'm not a regular reviewer, but I feel so compelled to write my thoughts after reading "Trash".

I have young kids and we are fortunate enough to be able to live a comfortable life. I've lived in Manila, Philippines where the author lives part-time and teaches. While I have traveled to many First World countries, I have also been to the Manila dumpsite, the one that is called Smokey Mountain which is the same name used by the author for his story's setting. Oh yes, there has been a real Smokey Mountain dumpsite.

Let me just share a bit of non-fiction to those who haven't been to this place yet to give you a sense of my perspective.

When I first visited the dumpsite, what first struck me was the enormity of this "mountain" of trash and the strong foul stench everywhere. As I walked, I noticed the springy feeling in my steps then realized I had not been walking on concrete pavement but on a very compact heap of trash thickened over the years. This dumpsite was literally a hill or a mountain and hundreds of families stay here. Adults and children walked about as if this was just an ordinary village. I wondered how these people ever manage to breathe, work and live healthily here 24/7. It is a scene one will not forget.

After interviewing a family for a project which was the reason I was there, the family insisted on cooking my group a meal. Being aware of their meager income, we did our best to politely refuse, but it came to a point that for us to refuse more would be deemed insulting to our host who surprisingly, had shown a sense of fierce dignity in their humble 3 meter x 3 meter home and in their work (i.e. picking trash).

We sat on the floor of their home and ate from a very low table. This was not a place where you excuse yourself to wash your hands or use hand wipes or sanitizer. (While walking around, it was an effort not to cover our noses with our hands so as not to insult the residents). This family with a mixture of pride and apology, served us chicken tinola, a common soup here made from chicken with papaya and moringa leaves. I distinctly remember having difficulty swallowing the food due to a lump in my throat that formed as I held back tears. I perfectly knew this meal seen as ordinary by the middle and upper class was already a special meal for them. This family welcomed total strangers to their home and did their best to accommodate us. I truly felt embarrassed, guilty and honored.

I will disagree with many in that "Trash" is a worthless book. While some may find the book unbelievable, depressing, vulgar or unideal for kids, I see it differently because it speaks the truth in many aspects. It teaches important values for survival--resilience, hope, perseverance and having a vision. It is story of a struggle for freedom told with a setting and plot that are realistic (except for the $6 million... but you never know). From the names used, reference to the 'dirty' politician, the houseboy, maid and gardener, prison conditions, police interrogation style, young kids who work than study for survival reasons, the way a bribe is asked... they all sound so much like the things happening in the ugly, uncomfortable part of the city of Manila and I'm sure parts of the world that don't quite make it to the tourist route.

Just like in the book, there is a real mission school set up by the Philippine Christian Foundation founded by Jane Walker in the Manila dumpsite. Gardo, Raphael and Rat could very well be any of the streetkids or dumpsite boys--all wise beyond their years. Families do build homes on this huge, huge mountain of the city's trash and earn income foraging, sorting, using and selling off what they can find, similar to the scenes shown in the heart-wrenching free video documentary on the web "Chicken a la Carte".

Every chapter of the story is told in the first person point of view by a character, so the whole book appears like a group of people taking turns telling the audience their part in the story. The book ends on an emotional and exhilarating note for me--cheers for the characters, and a personal reminder to count my blessings, complain less, recycle more and help the marginalized further.

I am actually surprised at the courage of the author, for this book can very well be interpreted as a political satire although I don't think that was his intention. I look forward to watching the movie version or a stage play if either will be ever made.

To get the most value from this book, you must read this with an open mind and the knowledge that almost everything described in the book can possibly be real at least in this side of the world (again, except for the $6 million.. but you never know).

Read it with your kids when they are old enough to understand the concept of money and of things, of good vs. evil. Let them know such living conditions are real. Don't hide this fact. Life is not all roses. Hopefully, they will realize that always having the new "in" toy or clothing will not be as important anymore. Let them learn about the world so they will grow up grounded and with a social conscience, for they will be the shapers and leaders of the future. Let them still read the fairy tales and the Harry Potters. But let them read this, too.

I feel this is suited to kids who are old enough to know that lying, stealing and resolving issues thru violence are wrong. These themes occur repeatedly throughout the book, and the boys who commit them are shown to have a guilty conscience at some point.

While I teach my kids respect and honesty, not to lie nor steal, I can't help but think one day, my kids are going to face a world where things are not so black and white, where one is sometimes forced by the system to adapt and go along. When those moments come, will I have taught enough to enable them firmly stand by their values and decisions?

A thought-provoking book for adults and pre-teens up. I give this book 5 stars.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Very unique November 12, 2010

By R. Bullock

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

I read the little blurb for this book, and it said the book was aimed at 7-9 year old children*. Upon reading it to my children, I quickly realized that "Trash" is clearly targeted with preteens in mind, perhaps 12 or 13-year olds. There is a little bit of profanity, and there is a lot of subject matter that is very mature. My 4 and 9-year old children did not appreciate this book whatsoever, it went way over their heads.

However, I enjoyed it. Set in an unnamed country in a possible distant future, this heartbreaking novel about young children who live and scavenge in a dump is unlike many other books I've read in my lifetime. It's told from several perspectives, and some of the events that happen are really sad, much more so when you recall the main characters are young children. If you've got older children, I highly recommend it. It will a very unique exception to anything else they have probably read. It's a good read for adults as well.

*Clearly, I cannot be trusted to accurately comprehend anything on the Internet when I haven't had enough coffee OR sleep. The 7-9 wasn't an age demographic, it was a GRADE demographic. I stand way corrected. Carry on.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars A book providing many opportunities for classroom discussion February 12, 2011

By Seek Felicity TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review (What's this?)

Enter Behala, a place where livelihood is dependent upon what is thrown away. Those who live here are born in the trash and when they die can expect to become part of the trash. It is a place where people construct houses made of old tries and string. It is located in a country where corruption is rampant and lying is a tactic for survival.

The primary characters are a charismatic, adventurous trio of young boys living in Behala. Their story is not one of war or natural disaster. They live in the sad place of Behala and they have stumbled upon a mystery that could allow them to escape the trash.

Considering that the majority of those in the United States lack a passport, books like this add value to a classroom. I've been to some places in third world countries that are the substance of nightmares. These are places that make places like Gary, Detroit, and other U.S. cities look like vacation destinations. Most U.S. kids, even those who live in poverty, cannot relate to what others around the world must face on a daily basis to survive. This is a gritty book and it can be shocking and uncomfortable. It is intended for children ages 12 and up but I would say that the writing level and content is appropriate for fifth graders. While entertaining for YA readers, there are important topics that a teacher or parent should discuss with kids, including: poverty, bribery, corruption, thievery, lying and trust. Also viable for discussion are questions surrounding environmental responsibility, the role of the United States in the governance of other countries and family composition.

Some may wonder how many liberties the author took with his subject of choice. Certainly they are a few in the storyline. The setting is completely based on truths that can be found in multiple countries. After reading several pages of this book, I was immediately reminded of the trash heaps located in Guatemala City -- the smell, the babies that walk amongst the filth, the people who eat what comes from the trash. In the book, there are also references to the rental of graves. This, too, is a practice in Guatemala. If a family doesn't pay the deceased's rent, the body will be removed. Youth will also read about the Day of the Dead, which is an important Latin American holiday for remembering family and friends who have passed. Through thoughtful discussion and questioning and the examination of the cultures of other countries, teachers can make this book part of a broader curriculum.

Is this the most wonderfully written book for young adults? No. The book has several narrators and transition from one to the next can be awkward. The author also has a fondness for certain words (one is "forever") and using random nicknames for characters late in the book when the nicknames were never introduced previously. I'm hopeful that with the final printing, a smoother book will be available for purchase because I think this book does accomplish a great deal, especially for its intended age group. Too often, we just want to close our eyes and stick our fingers in our ears when we hear about the topics presented in this book. When we do that with kids, we foster the development of uneducated adults. This is a good book to get kids thinking about the ugly aspects of the world in which we live.

The advanced reader's copy was printed in the United States.