Starred ReviewStarred Review One Plastic Bag
Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia
Discover the inspiring true story of Isatou Ceesay, an African woman who started a recycling movement to combat the pollution caused by plastic bags in her community.
For years, plastic bags were a cheap and convenient option for carrying goods in Njau, Gambia. However, when these bags broke or were no longer needed, they were carelessly discarded, leading to an unsightly accumulation of plastic waste alongside roads. The stagnant water in the bags provided a breeding ground for mosquitoes and diseases, while the burning of bags left behind a foul smell. The bags also strangled gardens, killed livestock, and polluted the environment.
Isatou Ceesay decided to take action, and she began to collect the plastic bags and recycle them into something new. Her efforts not only helped to clean up the environment, but also provided income for women in her community who had been struggling to make ends meet.
This powerful and moving book showcases the impact of one person’s determination and ingenuity in creating positive change. It highlights the urgent need to address the plastic pollution crisis and encourages readers to take action to make a difference in their own communities. Join Isatou Ceesay and be inspired to become a changemaker in your own right.
Format | Your Price | Add |
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978-1-4677-1608-6
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$14.99 | |
978-1-4677-7713-1
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$24.99 | |
978-1-5415-9662-7
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$34.99 | |
978-1-5415-9663-4
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$6.99 |
Awards
- Star Of The North Picture Book Award Nominee
- South Carolina Book Award Nominee
- NYC Reads 365 Recommended Reading List
- Notable AwardNotable Award Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year
- Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Choices
- Nutmeg Award Nominee
- Green Earth Book Award Short List
- Children's Africana Book Award Notable Book
- Delaware Diamonds Program
- Notable AwardNotable Award NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books
- Cybils Finalist
- Nebraska Golden Sower Award Nominee
- Black Eyed Susan Book Award Nominee
- Amelia Bloomer Project List
- Notable AwardNotable Award AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books Commended Book
- New York Public Library Best Books for Kids
- Eureka! Children’s Book Award Silver Honor
Reviews
Booklist
“Colorful textured and patterned collage artwork illustrates this inspiring true story, which concludes with more information about Isatou’s grassroots initiative.”―Booklist
The Horn Book Magazine
“This handsome presentation of grassroots environmental activism is certain to inspire young readers.” —The Horn Book Magazine
Publishers Weekly
“Notes of hope, determination, and empowerment suffuse Paul’s story…. Incorporating real plastic bags into her mixed-media collages, Zunon, who grew up in West Africa, juxtaposes the brown, dusty landscape against splashes of color and vibrant printed dresses and head coverings worn by the village women.” —Publishers Weekly
Starred ReviewStarred Review School Library Journal
“Simple but lyrical text conveys this beautiful, thought-provoking tale of ecological awareness and recycling. . . . An inspiring account.”—starred, School Library Journal
Kirkus Reviews
“Though Isatou Ceesay’s country may be unfamiliar to young readers, they’ve probably done some handicraft recycling of their own. The easy connection makes this a welcome addition to the small shelf of examples of ingenuity in developing nations.” —Kirkus Reviews