Winner of the 2024 Green Earth Book Honor Award and the Bookstagang Award – Best Conversation Starters of 2023

Composting for Community is an STEM infused, intergenerational Latino-American story about how trash destined for the landfill can be turned into something good for the community and the Earth.

About the Story

Mateo's father is a composter. When the class falls silent during Mateo's career day presentation, he sets out to learn more about not only his father's job, but about composting itself. His dad's seemingly ordinary job unveils a world of interconnectedness, family heritage and environmental stewardship that changes Mateo's perspective.

Guided by his family, Mateo delves into the science of composting and witnesses the transformation of trash into nourishing compost that provides life for our planet. Inspired, Mateo returns to school ready to pass along the wisdom from his father, and his ancestors before him, to his community.

Why We Love the Book

Written by the founder of LA Compost, this story is a call to action for readers of all ages. Filled with familial love and educational lessons on composting science and climate change, Composting for Community is an inspiring story about the power of community where every small effort can blossom into something extraordinary.

Includes backmatter resources providing tips to readers on how to reduce food waste and an interview with the author and real-life composter, Michael Martinez. Additional free resources like a composting guide and activity sheets are available on the publisher's official website www.gloobooks.com.

About the Author

Michael Martinez is a former elementary school teacher, a father, and the founder of LA Compost. Growing up in Los Angeles, he was amazed at the ways in which his family could repair and restore everyday items that he assumed were destined for the trash. He loves riding his bike, eating tacos, and "staycations" with his family in Los Angeles where they live. He is fascinated with life within the soil, and honored to know so many people who are cultivating joy above it. Follow him @lacompost. Michael co founded the California Alliance for Community Composting, currently sits on the Board of Directors for the U.S Composting Council, and Food Exploration and Discovery, and was appointed by the Mayor of Los Angeles to become a Commissioner for the Climate Emergency Mobilization Office.

About the Illustrator

Hannah Abbo is a self-taught, award-winning illustrator from the United Kingdom. She currently lives with her partner, child and cat in Lisbon, Portugal. When she's not drawing she loves gardening, rollerblading and knitting.

"Composting for Community is a wonderful educational children's book. It puts a human story to the mystery and magic of compost which until we have seen with our own eyes is sometimes hard to comprehend. With the guidance of this book, children can truly learn what composting is."

– Bonnie Wright, actress and author of Go Gently: Actionable Steps to Nurture Yourself and the Planet