JR Versus Stinky Dumping Ground by R. Ellis Brown

About this episode

The episode discusses JR's fight against a toxic dump and the themes of community activism and personal loss.

JR VERSUS STINKY DUMPING GROUND Twelve-year-old JR is convinced the toxic dump next door killed his sister—and no one will listen.If JR fails, the danger won’t stop with his family—it could destroy the entire neighborhood.The adults say he is wrong. They say keep quiet. They say let them handle it. But JR has watched them do nothing for years. So, he is taking matters into his own hands. With help from his friends, a school project that becomes an investigation, and a heart that refuses to give up, JR sets out on a mission to expose the truth.Fueled by courage, determination, and a heart that refuses to give up, JR sets out on a mission that seems impossible: “Stinky Dumping Ground has got to go!”But can one kid really take on something so big? Can kids make a difference and get environmental justice?JR Versus Stinky Dumping Ground is about community activism inspired by kids. An enjoyable read for adults. A must-read for kids. TOPICS OF CONVERSATION More than an environmental mystery. A funny, sharp 12-year-old takes on an illegal dump in Brooklyn, but the real story is about grief, family, and finding your voice. Rooted in personal loss. Rawle lost his younger sister at age 12…

People in this episode

Guest: R. Ellis Brown

Topics covered

• environmental mystery
• community activism
• grief
• family
• finding your voice
• personal loss
• neighborhood support

Keywords

• toxic dump
• environmental justice
• community
• activism
• children's literature
• grief
• Brooklyn

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Spike Lee

Places: Brooklyn

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