Welcome to Trashland

An adventurous quest amidst the world's largest e-waste dump

Steve Cole author Oriol Vidal illustrator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers

Published:1st Jul '21

Should be back in stock very soon

Welcome to Trashland cover

In Welcome to Trashland, Theo seeks treasure amidst e-waste, confronting danger and deception while dreaming of a better life.

In Welcome to Trashland, a gripping adventure unfolds against the backdrop of the world's largest e-waste dump, Agbogbloshie in Ghana. Here, young Theo navigates a harsh reality, scavenging through mountains of discarded electronics in search of valuable scraps to sell. His dreams of education and a better life seem distant, yet the spark of hope ignites when he hears rumors of buried treasure. This tantalizing prospect offers Theo a glimpse of escape from his grim surroundings, motivating him to take risks he never thought he would.

However, the arrival of Emmanuel, the treasure seeker, complicates matters. As they embark on this quest together, Theo begins to sense that Emmanuel may not be entirely trustworthy. The local gang's interest in their activities adds an element of danger, forcing Theo to confront the risks associated with their treasure hunt. The story delves deep into themes of friendship, trust, and the harsh realities of life in a place where hope seems scarce.

Welcome to Trashland is not just an adventure; it is a poignant exploration of the toxic consequences of modern life. The narrative captures the struggles of those living in the shadows of consumerism, making it a thought-provoking read for young audiences. Suitable for readers aged 9 and up, this book provides a unique lens through which to view the world, blending excitement with important social commentary.

"This fast-paced story, told through deceptively simple text, will engage even reluctant readers" – The i Newspaper

"Tense and exciting" – LoveReading4Kids

"An accessible and important book that opens a window on the world that we often don’t get to look through" – The Letterpress Project

"A powerful eye-opener to the harsh reality we are creating for other parts of the world … had me gripped right from the start" – Kate Heap, reviewer

"With high stakes, bags of tension, difficult decisions and great characters … the exciting treasure hunt through the dumping ground will have readers on the edge of their seats and racing through the pages" – A Word About Books, blog

ISBN: 9781781129821

Dimensions: 198mm x 130mm x 10mm

Weight: 220g

128 pages