Book description
Inspired by the true story of an African childhood lived on the edge of
destitution, award-winning Elizabeth Laird's new novel takes readers on
an unforgettable emotional journey. When Mamo's mother dies, he is
abandoned in the shanties of Addis Ababa. Stolen by a child-trafficker
and sold to a farmer, he is cruelly treated. Escaping back to the city,
he meets another, very different runaway. Dani is rich, educated - and
fleeing his tyrannical father. Together they join a gang of homeless
street boys who survive only by mutual bonds of trust and total
dependence on each other.
Elizabeth Laird has had a love affair with Ethiopia - it's people's,
culture, language and history - all her life. She lived and taught
there for several years and returns often. The stories she learned
from street children in Addis led directly to the writing of THE
GARBAGE KING.
Her critically acclaimed children's books include KISS THE DUST
(winner of the Children's Book Award), SECRET FRIENDS (nominated for
the Carnegie Medal), RED SKY IN THE MORNING (0 330 39867 9, Highly
Commended for the Carnegie Medal, shortlisted for the Children's Book
Award), and JAKE'S TOWER (0 330 39803 2, shortlisted for the 2001
Carnegie Medal).
She lives on the edge of Richmond Park, Surrey with her husband.
