Here Comes the Garbage Barge!

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PARENT-TEACHER GUIDE

Here Comes the Garbage Barge!

Average Rating: 5.0

Country: United States

Ages: 8–10

Author: Jonah Winter

Publisher: Wade Publishing

Illustrator: Red Nose Studio

Story Source: Storyline Online

About The Story

Based on true events from 1987, this story follows a barge carrying over 3,000 tons of garbage from Islip, New York, as it is refused entry up and down the East Coast and even internationally. The book cleverly recounts this bizarre episode of environmental mismanagement and turns it into an engaging tale with humor, heart, and startlingly unique illustrations—sculpted from found objects and junk. As the garbage barge is turned away again and again, readers are invited to reflect on a critical question: What happens to our waste when we throw it away?

Themes

Environment & Conservation

STEAM

Social & Emotional Learning

Sub Themes

Homelessness

Displacement

Empathy and kindness

Hope in adversity

Parent-Teacher Guide

Lesson Plan

This story will help students critically think about waste—where it goes, who deals with it, and how our actions affect the planet.
The activities explore the science behind decomposition, the social responsibility of communities, and the artistic value of reusing junk to tell stories.

Activities

Map the Barge: Use a U.S. map to trace the route of the garbage barge. Which states or countries rejected the garbage?
Trash Timeline: Research how long it takes different kinds of garbage (plastic bottle, banana peel, etc.) to decompose.
Junk Art Challenge: Create a 3D character or scene using only items from the recycling bin, inspired by Red Nose Studio’s style.
Classroom Waste Audit: Track your class waste for a day or week. What could be reduced, reused, or recycled?

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

What do you know about where our garbage goes after we throw it away?
Why do you think waste management is important for a city or town?

During reading

How do the different states respond to the garbage barge’s request to unload?
What do you notice about the artwork in the book?

After reading

What surprised you most about the story?
Why do you think the author chose to tell this story in such a playful way?
What are some ways we can reduce our waste at school or home?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Highlights the challenge of managing waste in urban areas.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Focuses on reducing waste generation through the principles of Reduce, Reuse,and Recycle.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Implicitly warns of environmental impact through the lens of excessive waste.

Curriculum Alignment

Bye-Bye Plastic Bags: Two Balinese sisters take on plastic pollution.
The River Warrior: A boy takes on industrial pollution in Indonesia
RJ the E-Waste Hero: Tackling electronic waste with innovation.
The Big Dreamer: A boy protects his village with mangrove forests
Sharing Hope: Turning used cooking oil into biodiesel to protect the ocean.

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