The Garbage King, by Elizabeth Laird, plunges the reader into the heat and dust of modern Ethiopia. Set in the streets of Addis Ababa, this story follows the fates of two very different boys.
Mamo’s family is impoverished and he is left to fend for himself after his mother dies. He becomes a victim of child slavery but he uses his sharp wits to escape and find a place for himself on the streets.
Dani comes from a wealthy background but he flees his tyrannical father and becomes fast friends with Mamo when they meet on the streets. Together, the boys join a street gang and find friendship, loyalty and dignity despite their desperate circumstances.
Laird shines a harsh light on child poverty in Africa while spinning a wonderful tale of friendship, loyalty and trust. This story would definitely appeal to readers who are looking for an adventure story: it will give them plenty of action, and surprise them with a strong social message, and an understanding of the power of hope, even in desperate circumstances.
Fiction
Grades 5-9
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