Starred Review One Plastic Bag

Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

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
978-1-4677-1608-6
$14.99
978-1-4677-7713-1
$24.99
978-1-5415-9662-7
$34.99
978-1-5415-9663-4
$6.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books, Social Studies
Category 5 Kinds of Nonfiction, 5KN: Narrative Nonfiction, Diverse Books: Feminism, Diverse Books: Race & Ethnicity, Diverse Books: Social Justice, Diversity, SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: B Self-Management, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, SEL: E Responsible Decision-Making, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2015
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Millbrook Press ™
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2015-02-01
Reading Counts! Level 1.6
Text Type Narrative Nonfiction
BISACS JNF037020, JNF010000, JNF007120
Dewey 363.72880966
Graphics Full-color illustrations
Dimensions 10.625 x 8.875
Lexile 570
ATOS Reading Level 2.9
Accelerated Reader® Quiz 170587
Accelerated Reader® Points 0.5
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Author/Illustrator note, Awards, Maps, Original artwork, Reviewed, Starred Reviews, Timeline, and eSource

Awards

  • Star Of The North Picture Book Award Nominee, Nominated, 2017
  • South Carolina Book Award Nominee, Nominated, 2017
  • NYC Reads 365 Recommended Reading List, Winner, 2017
  • Notable Award Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year, Winner, 2016
  • Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Choices, Winner, 2016
  • Nutmeg Award Nominee, Nominated, 2016
  • Green Earth Book Award Short List, Short-listed, 2016
  • Children's Africana Book Award Notable Book, Commended, 2016
  • Delaware Diamonds Program, Nominated, 2016
  • Notable Award NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books, Winner, 2016
  • Cybils Finalist, Nominated, 2016
  • Nebraska Golden Sower Award Nominee, Nominated, 2016
  • Black Eyed Susan Book Award Nominee, Nominated, 2015
  • Amelia Bloomer Project List, Winner, 2015
  • Notable Award AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books Commended Book, Commended, 2015
  • New York Public Library Best Books for Kids, Winner, 2015
  • Eureka! Children’s Book Award Silver Honor, Commended, 2015

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 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