By Andy mulligan
In an unnamed Third World country, in the not-so-distant future, three “dumpsite boys” make a living picking through the mountains of garbage on the outskirts of a large city.
One unlucky-lucky day, Raphael finds something very special and very mysterious. So mysterious that he decides to keep it, even when the city police offer a handsome reward for its return. That decision brings with it terrifying consequences, and soon the dumpsite boys must use all of their cunning and courage to stay ahead of their pursuers. It’s up to Raphael, Gardo, and Rat—boys who have no education, no parents, no homes, and no money—to solve the mystery and right a terrible wrong.
One unlucky-lucky day, Raphael finds something very special and very mysterious. So mysterious that he decides to keep it, even when the city police offer a handsome reward for its return. That decision brings with it terrifying consequences, and soon the dumpsite boys must use all of their cunning and courage to stay ahead of their pursuers. It’s up to Raphael, Gardo, and Rat—boys who have no education, no parents, no homes, and no money—to solve the mystery and right a terrible wrong.
Activity
Look at the cover of 'Trash' and answer the following questions:
1. What is the first thing you see when you look at the cover?
2. Look at the boy's stance/ body language. Do you think he is happy, sad, afraid? Explain why.
2. What can you see in the background?
3. What colours are used? How do these colours make you feel?
4. Consider the title 'Trash'. Is this a word we use in Australia? What word do we use instead? How does the title express the concept of globalisation?
5. What do you think the novel is going to be about?
Teacher Instructions:
- Teacher read out first pages up to p. 5 “Then one day I did.” Students to discuss ideas about what could be found at a dumpsite that could change the life of someone like Raphael.
- Recreate what Raphael found: a leather bag with a key, a folded map, a wallet, money, an ID card. Photos of a girl in a school dress. Select one student to open it up at the front and share with the class what is inside.
- Students to write down what they believe the items mean/ represent. What is it a key to? Who is Jose Angelico? Is the girl his daughter? How did this wallet end up in the trash?
- Hand out copies of the Trash novel. Read together as a class to the end of p. 9.