Trash discussion

After reading the book Trash by Andy Mulligan I grew more appreciative of the lifestyle I live. Reading about children sifting through trash and “stupp” all day really opened up my eyes to a completely different way of living. Andy Mulligan gives a great depiction of children living in a dumpsite and he also gives the reader some aspects of a different culture by introducing different words like “stupp.” Although Mulligan introduces aspects of a different culture from America he does not really explain what culture he is talking about. This can make the book confusing especially for children since they do not know exactly where the setting of the book is taking place. I really liked the mystery aspect of this book; it made this a feel good story by making the uneducated trash boys figure out something so complex. On the other hand this could maybe make the story not believable or unrealistic. One main message of this book that I did not like was how authority was portrayed. The author made every policeman in this book corrupt and bad, which I think sends the message that acting against authority is okay. In respect to a multicultural book I think that children might be able to learn about people living in poverty from this book. When addressing a specific culture it might be hard to get much cultural value from this book.

I loved this book. I think that is a great way of children learn more about the real life. Well written. :)