By DL Green
Children
Quick Summary
In Goodbye Garbage, we meet CJ Baker, who has a great idea to clean up his neighborhood and gets a lot of help. However, CJ has ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and as a result, he has trouble sticking to the plan.
His father helps CJ devise a plan to stay on target, and CJ prevails. He completes his task just in time to stop disaster from unfolding and be a hero.
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Full Disclosure
My son and I read this book together, and what I share is a combination of our impressions of it.
First Impressions
Jordan and I loved the book cover and title, so we picked it up. I was expecting a great story with a lesson for children.
The illustrations appealed to us from the beginning. The story is brief and to the point, as books written for the 5-7 age group usually are.
What I Loved about Goodbye Garbage
Jordan especially liked the fact that he could complete it in just a few minutes. He loved the illustrations and liked the idea of the dog helping to pick up garbage.
What Could Have Been Better
Jordan and I like books with an engaging message and a good plot. While I believe Goodbye Garbage is age-appropriate, we both agree that we would have liked a story with a plot twist or that would have portrayed CJ as a more engaging character.
Favorite Character
Jordan loved CJ Baker. He found his inability to focus on the task at hand amusing.
Memorable Quote
CJ Baker Mover and Shaker was Jordan’s favorite quote because it rhymed.
Who Should Read This
Children between the ages of 5 and 7 seven should enjoy this book. I think it will prove thought-provoking and may generate a lot of questions.
Final Thoughts
My son Jordan thought this book was ok but not really memorable. I agree with him on this. The story is brief and to the point. I think it is very appropriate for the 5-7 age group.
Before You Go
Have you read Goodbye Garbage? Leave a comment below to let us know what you think of it.
If you are looking for other books for your children, be sure to check out Maggie Sparks and the School of Slime. In this book, you will meet an engaging, feisty little witch with a great imagination whose magic often goes awry.
Or, if you are looking for an age-appropriate book for your teenager, check out Like and Subscribe. This book tackles many of the issues faced by children growing up in the Internet age.
You might also check out Camp Grandma and Grandpa to explore what happens when two children visit their fun, engaging grandparents, who are able to withstand chaos to make their grandchildren’s visit memorable.
If you have very small children you may find Sincerely, Antonia more suited to your little ones. It is a conning satirical tale written from the point of view of an ant who moved into a home in the company of her friends.