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Team Trash: A Time Traveler’s Guide to Sustainability
When a science project goes awry, two student activists travel through time to learn how to protect our Earth from plastic pollution in modern times.
Studious environmentalist Charlie is stuck with a science fair partner who seems like her complete opposite: Charlie wants to save the planet, and all Oliver wants is to doodle in his notebook. But when a mechanical mishap sends the two traveling back through time, they’ll have to work as a team to return to the present day.
In order for the time machine to send them back, the unlikely duo must gather data on recycling throughout the ages - from sustainable marketplaces in Edo Japan to garbage-gobbling pigs in 19th-century NYC. Yet the closer the team gets to the present day, the more that plastic presents a they’re running out of time.
Harnessing their frustration over the daunting ecological future they’ve inherited, Charlie and Oliver discover the ways in which they can use their sustainability knowledge to return home and build a better earth.
In this sweeping educational adventure that transports readers across continents and centuries, Washington Post contributor Katie Wheeler invites readers into the history of recycling and how students can reduce plastic waste. Wheeler’s fresh journal-style graphic novel acknowledges the reality of plastic pollution while offering accessible activist solutions, playfully-illustrated sustainability tips, and an optimistic look into how modern scientists are combating waste. Books for a Better Earth are designed to inspire children to become active, knowledgeable participants in caring for the planet they live on.
Studious environmentalist Charlie is stuck with a science fair partner who seems like her complete opposite: Charlie wants to save the planet, and all Oliver wants is to doodle in his notebook. But when a mechanical mishap sends the two traveling back through time, they’ll have to work as a team to return to the present day.
In order for the time machine to send them back, the unlikely duo must gather data on recycling throughout the ages - from sustainable marketplaces in Edo Japan to garbage-gobbling pigs in 19th-century NYC. Yet the closer the team gets to the present day, the more that plastic presents a they’re running out of time.
Harnessing their frustration over the daunting ecological future they’ve inherited, Charlie and Oliver discover the ways in which they can use their sustainability knowledge to return home and build a better earth.
In this sweeping educational adventure that transports readers across continents and centuries, Washington Post contributor Katie Wheeler invites readers into the history of recycling and how students can reduce plastic waste. Wheeler’s fresh journal-style graphic novel acknowledges the reality of plastic pollution while offering accessible activist solutions, playfully-illustrated sustainability tips, and an optimistic look into how modern scientists are combating waste. Books for a Better Earth are designed to inspire children to become active, knowledgeable participants in caring for the planet they live on.
80 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 2, 2023
(Team Trash is out today for those interested, i ll be sharing this through out today)
I have received a copy of This Graphic Novel ARC, In exchange for an honest review, Thanks to the Kate and Trent, and thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity.
This will come out June 13, 2023, It's a trip through the history of recycling, most of it though was semi modern times, But it was still many information i didn't know before, It makes your mind Whirl on how to fix this kind of issues in your own country, sometimes it feels the best we can do, is just start with ourselves, if we are not living somewhere, where our voice matters...
It's a middle grade graphic novel, but it was really funny, and really educational for me, and it echoed with my environmentalist line of thinking, Yes humans in recent years, have caused so much pollution, we won't really feel it's heavy effect in our lifetimes, but as we care so much for our children, for their wellbeing and future and education and health, Keeping the planet clean is also so important for their wellbeing and health and existence, and they shouldn't fight it alone, the fight started now in many countries, but the majority i believe still needs to start thinking of that too, including my own country.
The Economy in most countries is moved by the consumers, if u don't consume and start demanding no plastic packing and so on, eventually people will listen, if it's effecting their sales, specially if there is others who can provide the same service but greener!
I have no complaints about the story or the art, As a kid time traveling stories really intrigued me, and it's an amazing way to make important topics like this pass to the younger generation.
As for the art it was cute.
Grazie e arrivederci.
It's too much stuff for kids to handle! It's our problem now, and we didn't even do anything.
I have received a copy of This Graphic Novel ARC, In exchange for an honest review, Thanks to the Kate and Trent, and thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity.
This will come out June 13, 2023, It's a trip through the history of recycling, most of it though was semi modern times, But it was still many information i didn't know before, It makes your mind Whirl on how to fix this kind of issues in your own country, sometimes it feels the best we can do, is just start with ourselves, if we are not living somewhere, where our voice matters...
We didn't make this big plastic mess and we're not gonna clean it up on our own.
It's a middle grade graphic novel, but it was really funny, and really educational for me, and it echoed with my environmentalist line of thinking, Yes humans in recent years, have caused so much pollution, we won't really feel it's heavy effect in our lifetimes, but as we care so much for our children, for their wellbeing and future and education and health, Keeping the planet clean is also so important for their wellbeing and health and existence, and they shouldn't fight it alone, the fight started now in many countries, but the majority i believe still needs to start thinking of that too, including my own country.
We can make real big change that could actually make a difference.
The Economy in most countries is moved by the consumers, if u don't consume and start demanding no plastic packing and so on, eventually people will listen, if it's effecting their sales, specially if there is others who can provide the same service but greener!
The difference between trash and a valuable resource isn't what it's made of, it's what you can do with it!
I have no complaints about the story or the art, As a kid time traveling stories really intrigued me, and it's an amazing way to make important topics like this pass to the younger generation.
As for the art it was cute.
Grazie e arrivederci.
March 16, 2023
A short, easy to read book on historical sustainability and recycling efforts for young readers. Two kids, Charlie and Oliver, are paired together for a science project and end up accidentally taking a time-traveling car made out of trash back in time to Pompeii, ancient Japan, early America, and more, to learn how people in different eras have handled their garbage. A fun, informative introduction to the topic for kids which includes with an example of how to contact legislators. Forthcoming in June 2023!
April 1, 2023
A beautifully illustrated and incredibly well thought out book that balances learning, humor, and a fun adventure. This is a book that kids and adults will love. It did such a great job of breaking down complex concepts while also acknowledging the big feels that one may feel about the ability to make a difference. I love that it has a call to action for our kids. They truly are the future! I think anyone would enjoy this book and I think this will be a must have back to school or holiday gift.
February 23, 2023
A science experiment gone wrong sends two kids on an unexpected time traveling expedition to learn about recycling and waste systems across the world (and of course across time!) It is fun and creative and will inspire readers of all ages to make sustainable steps at the household level and beyond. While some parts are depressing, it does end in a hopeful note. It also includes tangible actions people can take to help reduce what ends up in our landfills and oceans.
I will repeat: This will be informative for kids and adults. Most adults I know do not know how to properly recycle. Even I learned stuff in this book and my degree is literally in sustainability.
I will repeat: This will be informative for kids and adults. Most adults I know do not know how to properly recycle. Even I learned stuff in this book and my degree is literally in sustainability.
May 4, 2024
A short, fun and informative graphic novel for kids.
November 25, 2023
Thanks to help from a handy nearby time machine Charlie and Oliver, “Team Trash” – That’s Oliver’s idea, Charlie wants nothing to do with that name – visit ancient Pompeii, 18th century Japan, Philadelphia, 19th century New York City and Yorkshire, 20th century Chicago, California, and a garbage barge in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico. Back in the 21st century they find themselves on an island in the Pacific ocean littered with plastic waste, then on to an Italian University where scientists are working on biodegradable food wrapping as a plastic substitute before returning to their own time and place with a graphic novel to enter in the Sustainability Science Fair which completed their class assignment and turned them into Sustainability activists.
Wheeler and Huntington have turned a science project into a colorful time travel adventure comic stuffed full of fascinating historical and scientific environmental facts. Kudos to both authors and illustrator Wheeler.
Wheeler and Huntington have turned a science project into a colorful time travel adventure comic stuffed full of fascinating historical and scientific environmental facts. Kudos to both authors and illustrator Wheeler.
April 11, 2024
You might think that the concepts of recycling, reducing waste and reusing materials are a fairly new thing. But thanks to the time travelling adventures of students Charlie and Oliver, you will learn that cultures have been practicing sustainability for thousands of years!
The school science fair is quickly approaching. This year's theme is renewable applications! Charlie was really hoping to be paired with her best friend, Jack. Unfortunately she was late to class and must team up with Oliver who's more interested in perfecting his artwork instead of crafting an amazing report on recycling like Charlie and Jack were gonna do!
When a rival science fair team brings an experimental robot to school for their project, Charlie and Oliver accidentally bump into it activating the machine's unknown time travelling abilities. The new friends find themselves in ancient Pompeii. Thankfully, it's not volcano day. Instead the children meet a man who's using broken pottery and other refuse to repair a damaged part of the city wall.
The malfunctioning time machine promises to send Charlie and Oliver back to their present time. But only if they'll work together and gather information about sustainable ideas used throughout history. Now the duo travel through time and space learning about the advances in recycling technology along with the challenges cultures have faced in trying to make the Earth a safe and healthy place for the next generation to live.
I was fascinated to learn about the amazing things our ancestors did to conserve our precious resources. However, as Charlie and Oliver arrive in the 20th century, the children begin to lament the damage plastic has done to our environment. It can be argued that this section of the book gets a little preachy. I'll say that the book begins to take a one sided approach against this advance in technology. Yes, micro plastics are bad and that swath of garbage in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is a ridiculous blunder on mankind's part. However, it can be argued that without plastic, we would have lost World War II to the Germans. I will admit that this book does point out the myths about how little material we are made to recycle is actually recyclable. But no mention is made of how our local governments charge their citizens exorbitant recycling fees while rarely delivering on the sustainability promises made from those products we use.
The book offers some great ways for kids to take steps to help save the planet. Reaching out to our senators and congressmen is an important step. But don't lie to the kids reading this book that 'elected officials want to hear from you!', because they don't. From my experience, they really, really don't.
Both the author, Kate Wheeler, and the illustrator, Trent Huntington, have completed works that promote sustainability. I was awfully impressed that these creators actually practiced what they preach as this book is made from paper that is FSC-certified, meaning that the wood fibers that have been responsibly sourced. I don't care how nice to our planet an e-book might be; but nothing beats the intimacy of a tangible paper book. Thankfully, the book industry is trying to keep paper from dying with steps like using fully or partially recycled paper!
This 2023 graphic novel from Holiday House is sure to make young readers think. If your parents and guardians out there decide to support their decisions to help save the planet, give them your full blessing. But also, help them not get overwhelmed as practicing the 3 Rs of reduce-reuse-recycle are isn't something that one child can tackling alone or all at once. Yet with ever small step, hopefully our society can get there!
The school science fair is quickly approaching. This year's theme is renewable applications! Charlie was really hoping to be paired with her best friend, Jack. Unfortunately she was late to class and must team up with Oliver who's more interested in perfecting his artwork instead of crafting an amazing report on recycling like Charlie and Jack were gonna do!
When a rival science fair team brings an experimental robot to school for their project, Charlie and Oliver accidentally bump into it activating the machine's unknown time travelling abilities. The new friends find themselves in ancient Pompeii. Thankfully, it's not volcano day. Instead the children meet a man who's using broken pottery and other refuse to repair a damaged part of the city wall.
The malfunctioning time machine promises to send Charlie and Oliver back to their present time. But only if they'll work together and gather information about sustainable ideas used throughout history. Now the duo travel through time and space learning about the advances in recycling technology along with the challenges cultures have faced in trying to make the Earth a safe and healthy place for the next generation to live.
I was fascinated to learn about the amazing things our ancestors did to conserve our precious resources. However, as Charlie and Oliver arrive in the 20th century, the children begin to lament the damage plastic has done to our environment. It can be argued that this section of the book gets a little preachy. I'll say that the book begins to take a one sided approach against this advance in technology. Yes, micro plastics are bad and that swath of garbage in the middle of the Pacific Ocean is a ridiculous blunder on mankind's part. However, it can be argued that without plastic, we would have lost World War II to the Germans. I will admit that this book does point out the myths about how little material we are made to recycle is actually recyclable. But no mention is made of how our local governments charge their citizens exorbitant recycling fees while rarely delivering on the sustainability promises made from those products we use.
The book offers some great ways for kids to take steps to help save the planet. Reaching out to our senators and congressmen is an important step. But don't lie to the kids reading this book that 'elected officials want to hear from you!', because they don't. From my experience, they really, really don't.
Both the author, Kate Wheeler, and the illustrator, Trent Huntington, have completed works that promote sustainability. I was awfully impressed that these creators actually practiced what they preach as this book is made from paper that is FSC-certified, meaning that the wood fibers that have been responsibly sourced. I don't care how nice to our planet an e-book might be; but nothing beats the intimacy of a tangible paper book. Thankfully, the book industry is trying to keep paper from dying with steps like using fully or partially recycled paper!
This 2023 graphic novel from Holiday House is sure to make young readers think. If your parents and guardians out there decide to support their decisions to help save the planet, give them your full blessing. But also, help them not get overwhelmed as practicing the 3 Rs of reduce-reuse-recycle are isn't something that one child can tackling alone or all at once. Yet with ever small step, hopefully our society can get there!
June 28, 2023
A sweet, informative but not boring graphic novel for any kids who want to know more about what they can do to help the planet. This would even be useful for adults, too!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
It balances friendship, humour, feelings, along with beautiful dialogue and illustrations, to show how everyday kids and people can make differences in protecting our planet. The jumps back in history was a super cool idea, and it was a great way to show how trash and recycling have changed over the years, and how people’s approach to it had changed. This book taught facts without seeming as if it was ‘teaching’ - my using minor characters to talk about what they were doing to combat waste and what the people of their time thought. It kept me engaged - I read it in one sitting - while making me think deeply about the planet. Would highly recommend for anyone who has kids or works with them - or even anyone who just wants to learn about recycling and trash in a lowkey but well thought-out way.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
It balances friendship, humour, feelings, along with beautiful dialogue and illustrations, to show how everyday kids and people can make differences in protecting our planet. The jumps back in history was a super cool idea, and it was a great way to show how trash and recycling have changed over the years, and how people’s approach to it had changed. This book taught facts without seeming as if it was ‘teaching’ - my using minor characters to talk about what they were doing to combat waste and what the people of their time thought. It kept me engaged - I read it in one sitting - while making me think deeply about the planet. Would highly recommend for anyone who has kids or works with them - or even anyone who just wants to learn about recycling and trash in a lowkey but well thought-out way.
October 3, 2023
This is a wonderful introduction to recycling, up-cycling, and figuring out solutions (as well as showing problems). It was neat seeing how different cultures and time periods reused things, but also showing how almost all recycling leads to some waste eventually (or a lot, in the case of plastics, since most of it can't actually be recycled). I like how it showed Charlie, one of our leads, getting overwhelmed because there are so many issues, hurdles, and problems, but the book ended on a hopeful note. When presenting problems (whether that be related to climate, poverty, etc.) to kids (or anyone), it is best to also present an actionable step they can take so they're not left feeling helpless, and this book does just that. As well as showing how kids can help reduce waste in their own lives, it also has a form letter kids can use to craft a letter to their mayor, representative, etc.
Overall, this is a fun and engaging graphic novel that introduces kids to sustainability.
Overall, this is a fun and engaging graphic novel that introduces kids to sustainability.
April 8, 2023
Like a Ms Frizzle book in graphic form! Get a fun introduction to various ways human cultures have adapted and reused in the past, plus a fun peak at the future, all while kids are trying to finish a group project! Of course the two kids are mismatched -- she's a scientist nerd (and does not read as white) and he's a comic drawer and jokester. Of course there is a bizarre time travel machine! Of course there is a touch too much emphasis on plastic to the exclusion of some even more important changes we need to make, but so fun! This is a quick page turner that will introduce a wide range of climate issues to younger kids in a delightful format! Highly recommend.
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September 17, 2023I like the concept of this book. It is an interesting way to portray the history and lessons of sustainability. The GN format makes it very accessible and it's not too long. However, there is a line about Rittenhouse Mill being the first papermakers in the "New World". I wish current juvenile literature, especially books presenting factual information, would stop using that type of phrasing. North America was not "new" and I'm uncomfortable recommending a book that presents this idea as if it were fact.
October 4, 2023
Oliver and Charlie travel through time finding information about how humans used to reuse materials. They travel through different countries and saw different cultures.
The novel has themes of humour, friendship and ways that children can make a difference when it comes to protecting our planet.
A really informative read. Great graphic novel introducing children to environmentalism. Kate Wheeler and Trent Huntington make some really meaningful links to the environment which can help with Science and PSHE.
The novel has themes of humour, friendship and ways that children can make a difference when it comes to protecting our planet.
A really informative read. Great graphic novel introducing children to environmentalism. Kate Wheeler and Trent Huntington make some really meaningful links to the environment which can help with Science and PSHE.
June 7, 2023
This was such a fun way to learn and question recycling and its history (which I knew absolutely nothing about!). "Team Trash" compiles for sure a wealth of information for kids and adults, I for one, only recently discovered that not all plastics can be recyclable and this graphic novel explains which types are and aren't and why and what we can actually do about it (to name only one example). I loved it!
July 18, 2023
Fantastic book! I wish they made a book like this for adults.
Charlie and Oliver have a school project on recycling to do. They travel through time collecting information on how humans used to reuse materials. They learn what things are being done now to help the earth and its inhabitants. Full of wonderful information on recycling and what we can all do to help out.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Charlie and Oliver have a school project on recycling to do. They travel through time collecting information on how humans used to reuse materials. They learn what things are being done now to help the earth and its inhabitants. Full of wonderful information on recycling and what we can all do to help out.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 13, 2023
Cute if jejune, but all in all, a inspirational comic for middle-graders to learn about reducing/reusing/recycling. These kids take a trip through time to learn about historical approaches, then learn to work together to make a difference for their own futures. The art was pretty basic, but it got the job done.
November 16, 2023
An environmental story that shows how we can work together, get the job done, and learn how the good, the bad and the ugly, or The Pig, the Plastic and The Politics all come together. A fun twist shows how even if you are not "science guy" (but an artist who likes drawing fun turtles with swords) you too can make a difference.
April 21, 2024
Not quite nonfiction, but a mini time-travel adventure with an emphasis on what humans have done through time to recycle and reuse their waste products.
Full of interesting points in history and encouraging steps to take for a more sustainable future.
I wish references and sources had been included.
Full of interesting points in history and encouraging steps to take for a more sustainable future.
I wish references and sources had been included.
July 30, 2024
Graphic novel about 2 kids working on a science project together-- well, they are supposed to be working together. At the last minute they get swooped through time to visit places and times when people recycled, reused or reduced what they used.
TONS of information, and great ideas from the past.
This book would work well as a reference for a report.
TONS of information, and great ideas from the past.
This book would work well as a reference for a report.
August 12, 2023
I was super impressed by this comic book guide to recycling. I was intrigued by different historical recycling practices and the pragmatic, realistic suggestions to make a difference. This is an approachable book for kids with good information.
January 17, 2024
Informative and cute short book about recycling and pollution through the form of a narrative. Maybe using this for book club over the summer, but it might be a little short. I also wish that this book had backmatter for having so much factual information throughout the book.
April 11, 2023
I really hope you enjoy reading this book as much I enjoyed writing and drawing it!
September 24, 2023
Very cute and timely.
December 14, 2023
3.5 stars.
February 19, 2024
Had good information but didn’t flow it into a story well enough. I can’t imagine a kid enjoying this
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March 2, 2024A graphic novel about two kids doing a report on recycling who enter a time machine and see recycling throughout the ages. elementary
August 12, 2024
Graphic novel about recycling. Pretty informative, but has some weak transitions between topics.
August 15, 2024
This should be required reading—and I mean for everybody. The world would be a better place.
August 25, 2024
A good introduction to the reality of plastic pollution with tips on activism & sustainability.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews