The Rent Collector by Camron Wright –ADVISABLE

Wright, Camron  The Rent Collector 288  pgs. Shadow Mountain, 2013. $15.99 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG13 Violence: PG.

Unbeknownst to most of the world, there are many families who live right at a garbage dump called Stung Meanchey, a real place in Cambodia. They make their living scavenging and selling, a grim existence made dangerous by disease, lack of essentials, danger from the garbage itself, and roaming gangs. We follow the story of Sang Ly, a young mother trying to raise an ill son and wanting to learn how to read. When she discovers the rent collector, a grumpy horrible woman, can read, Sang Ly is determined to learn.  Turns out there is more to the rent collector than anyone could possible guess.

This is a wonderful and eye opening story! It’s such a different point of view on literature -one that is fresh to the joy and desire to learn to read. The host of characters are interesting and well developed. I think high school students would do well to read about this very grim place, yet a place so full of hope. Adults will love this surprising read as well.

HS –ADVISABLE  Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.