Larsen, Andrew. Gifts from the Garbage Truck: A True Story About the Things We (Don’t) Throw Away. Oriol Vidal, Illus. Sourcebooks, 09/2024. 40pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-7282-8351-7. GRADES Kindergarten–3. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
As a child, Puerto Rican Nelson Molina collected, repaired, and gifted thrown away treasures. In his thirty-four years as a New York City sanitation worker in his diverse childhood neighborhood of El Barrio, Molina continued his practice of finding beauty, looking for value, and sharing his discoveries. His collection of castoffs, housed in a museum, remind readers to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Beautiful digital art mimics print-making techniques. Layers of subtle color, strong shapes, and textured imperfections are set off by luminous light that reinforces the message of discovering the sublime within the gritty. While thin as a story, this makes a good readaloud. Pair with The Dumpster Diver by Wong (Candlewick, 2007) to inspire an upcycling activity. An author’s note includes biographical details, photographs, and guidance on recycling. Review based on an ARC.
Melissa McAvoy—Retired