Composting for Community

Winner of the 2024 Green Earth Book Honor Award
Winner of a 2025 International Latino Book Award

Composting for Community is an intergenerational story about how trash destined for the landfill can be turned into something good for the community and the Earth.

Mateo's father is a composter. When the class falls silent during Mateo's career day presentation, he sets out to learn more about not only his father's job, but about composting itself. His dad's seemingly ordinary job unveils a world of interconnectedness, family heritage and environmental stewardship that changes Mateo's perspective.

Guided by his family, Mateo delves into the science of composting and witnesses the transformation of trash into nourishing compost that provides life for our planet. Inspired, Mateo returns to school ready to pass along the wisdom from his father, and his ancestors before him, to his community.

Written by the founder of LA Compost, this story is a call to action for readers of all ages. Filled with familial love and educational lessons on composting science and climate change, Composting for Community is an inspiring story about the power of community where every small effort can blossom into something extraordinary.

Includes backmatter resources providing tips to readers on how to reduce food waste and an interview with the author and real-life composter, Michael Martinez. Additional free resources like a composting guide and activity sheets are available on the publisher's official website www.gloobooks.com.