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Book Cover for: One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia, Miranda Paul

One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia

Miranda Paul

Finalist:Cybils -Nonfiction (2015)

Discover the inspiring true story of Isatou Ceesay, an African woman who started a recycling movement to combat the pollution caused by plastic bags in her community.

For years, plastic bags were a cheap and convenient option for carrying goods in Njau, Gambia. However, when these bags broke or were no longer needed, they were carelessly discarded, leading to an unsightly accumulation of plastic waste alongside roads. The stagnant water in the bags provided a breeding ground for mosquitoes and diseases, while the burning of bags left behind a foul smell. The bags also strangled gardens, killed livestock, and polluted the environment.

Isatou Ceesay decided to take action, and she began to collect the plastic bags and recycle them into something new. Her efforts not only helped to clean up the environment, but also provided income for women in her community who had been struggling to make ends meet.

This powerful and moving book showcases the impact of one person's determination and ingenuity in creating positive change. It highlights the urgent need to address the plastic pollution crisis and encourages readers to take action to make a difference in their own communities. Join Isatou Ceesay and be inspired to become a changemaker in your own right.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Millbrook Press (Tm)
  • Publish Date: Feb 1st, 2015
  • Pages: 32
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 9.00in - 10.80in - 0.40in - 0.90lb
  • EAN: 9781467716086
  • Recommended age: 05-09
  • Categories: Science & Nature - Environmental Conservation & ProtectionBusiness & EconomicsBiography & Autobiography - Women

About the Author

Zunon, Elizabeth: - Elizabeth Zunon grew up in the Ivory Coast, West Africa, and memories of her childhood can be seen in her artwork. She currently lives in Albany, New York. Find her online at www.lizzunon.com.
Paul, Miranda: - Miranda Paul is the award-winning author of more than a dozen books for children, including One Plastic Bag and Boston Globe-Horn Book Honoree Nine Months Before a Baby Is Born. Miranda is a founding member of We Need Diverse Books and serves as its mentorship chair. In 2024 she received the Notable Wisconsin Authors Award for her contributions to children's literature. Learn more at mirandapaul.com.

Praise for this book

"Simple but lyrical text conveys this beautiful, thought-provoking tale of ecological awareness and recycling. . . . An inspiring account."--starred, School Library Journal

-- (12/1/2014 12:00:00 AM)

"Colorful textured and patterned collage artwork illustrates this inspiring true story, which concludes with more information about Isatou's grassroots initiative."―Booklist

-- (2/15/2015 12:00:00 AM)

"This handsome presentation of grassroots environmental activism is certain to inspire young readers." --The Horn Book Magazine

-- (1/1/2015 12:00:00 AM)

"Notes of hope, determination, and empowerment suffuse Paul's story.... Incorporating real plastic bags into her mixed-media collages, Zunon, who grew up in West Africa, juxtaposes the brown, dusty landscape against splashes of color and vibrant printed dresses and head coverings worn by the village women." --Publishers Weekly

-- (12/22/2014 12:00:00 AM)

"Though Isatou Ceesay's country may be unfamiliar to young readers, they've probably done some handicraft recycling of their own. The easy connection makes this a welcome addition to the small shelf of examples of ingenuity in developing nations." --Kirkus Reviews

-- (11/15/2014 12:00:00 AM)