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Here Be Dragons co-curated by Cressida Cowell and Toothless - opens 13 July. Admission included with ticket to the Galleries

1001 Stories Collection

The Garbage King

1001 The Garbage King
Added on 11th September 2020

Author Elizabeth Laird
First published 2003
Publisher Pan Macmillan, London, UK

Identity and fairness Friends
1001

On the streets in Addis Ababa two boys, from very different backgrounds, form a lasting friendship as they try to survive.

Story

Set in Ethiopia’s capital city Addis Ababa, The Garbage King tell the story of two very different boys, Mamo and Dani, who are both on the run. Mamo is a poor orphan boy who has run away after being sold as a slave. Dani is a rich boy who has run away from home to escape a controlling father. An unlikely but strong friendship forms between the two boys who must now fend for themselves.

Why we chose it

Elizabeth Laird has written over 30 highly acclaimed books for children on a wide range of subjects. Many of her books introduce and explore themes of social justice. The Garbage King is a coming of age story set on the streets of Addis Ababa.

Where it came from

Elizabeth Laird lived and worked in Ethiopia during her twenties and during her time there got to know many of the children who lived on the streets of Addis Ababa. She was amazed by their courage and went on to write The Garbage King from this experience.

Where it went next

The Garbage King won the Scottish Arts Council Children's Book of the Year award and the Stockport Book award. It was also shortlisted for a number of other awards including the Carneige Medal and Blue Peter award.

Associated stories

Elizabeth Laird has written over 30 books for children since her first publication in 1979. Other popular titles include Red Sky in the Morning (1988), Hiding Out (1993), and Oranges in No Man’s Land (2006).

Added on 11th September 2020

Author Elizabeth Laird
First published 2003
Publisher Pan Macmillan, London, UK

Identity and fairness Friends
1001