All That Trash: The Story of the 1987 Garbage Barge and Our Problem with Stuff

An ALA Notable Book

"The year was 1987 and a ship full of trash was about to become famous...The narrative is immensely readable...A fresh take on a story of old garbage guaranteed to spark conversations and a desire for actions among students. Highly recommended." --School Library Journal (starred review)

A garbage barge that can't find a place to welcome it sparks a recycling movement in the United States in this smart and smelly picture book from the author of Earmuffs for Everyone.

Lowell Harrelson wanted to turn trash into methane gas so he rented a barge called Morbo 4000. His plan was to ship the garbage from New York to North Carolina, but as the barge floated down the coast, no state would let him dock because of smelly waste on board The barge became a mockery and the butt of many jokes in the media. What started as an attempted business venture turned into quite the predicament for Mr. Harrelson.

Mobro 4000 roamed the seas for forty-five days and traveled a distance of 6,000 miles. While awaiting its fate, the trash floated in New York's harbor, garnering much attention by onlookers. Green Peace activists put up a large banner across the barge that read, "NEXT TIME...TRY RECYCLING."

Even though the garbage barge was a farce, the unintended consequence inspired America to find a new way to deal with its trash.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Published: 02/27/2018
ISBN: 9781481477529
Pages: 48
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 10.30h x 9.30w x 0.40d

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 12/04/2017
Kirkus Reviews 12/15/2017
School Library Journal 01/01/2018 pg. 98
Booklist 01/01/2018 pg. 72
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 03/01/2018
Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2018 pg. 149
Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2018 - Superior,Well Above Average

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 194390 / All That Trash: The Story of the 1987 Garbage Barge and Our Problem with Stuff
Reading Level: 5 / Interest Level: Lower Grade / Point Value: 0.5