Wasted?

A cross-over YA/adult #Clific novel for those interested in new climate change possibilities.

‘Wasted? explores a mid-ocean Garbage Patch state where asylum seekers recycle bio fuel for visas, led by 16 y.o Head of Government known as The GG.

Hazel’s Australian Antarctic expeditioner experience was relevant for the ‘Wasted?’ setting and also the earlier ‘Antarcticaʼs Frozen Chosen’. Plus she relied on scientific experts who helped with her research and possible scenarios. In addition to conversations with innovative Asylum seekers and refugees. And trial readers of various ages and interests.
HIGHLY RELEVANT FOR SCIENCE WEEK!

Readers Comments & Reviews:

GOOD READS  5 stars

‘I just read ‘Wasted’ by Hazel Edwards, and I loved it! It’s a unique, divergent approach to refugees and environmental issues. It is set in a new state, the garbage patch, and is backed by research into oceans, calcification, diatoms and much more. I learnt so much from it, but it’s not a book of facts, it’s a story. A teenage boy, clever scientists, refugees looking for a place to belong, and a cat, with a possible murder to solve. There’s an artist in it, too!

The book gives hope for a different future for refugees, as their gifts come together in a mind-blowing way. The author doesn’t provide answers; the point is that we can work together in new ways to find solutions.

Recommended for readers of 11+, who like thinking differently and learning about the world., and teachers who want to pick up some of these themes. It would be great to use with an upper primary class or group of capable readers, and also comfortably with a Stage 4 class. ” Jen Scanlan, editor /former teacher

‘What a fantastic concept. I have heard of the “island” out in the Pacific ocean, a literal island of plastic waste that grows bigger by the day. What could you do with it? You could live on it! Hazel Edwards has explored an exciting new idea, with a feisty main character. How would YOU live on an island of plastic, or a boat attached to it?’ Sherryl Clark  author/lecturer

‘What a very interesting world this story has. The creation of a garbage recycling centre in the middle of the ocean allowing refugees and asylum seekers work that can lead towards gaining visas and keep them from the camps.
A boy goes to join his mother who lives there, leaving from where he and his father had lived.
I found the build up to the end was well paced and I think the book would be a good one to help trigger thought on issues to do with consequences of war, of scientific developments and how to assess risk, of greed, and the different ways people think. ‘Celia Jelbart (educator/reviewer)

‘Wasted?’ creates an extremely interesting setting of the uses of the Great Garbage Patch, a massive rubbish dump in the ocean. Awesome cover. Is it a jellyfish or a brain with legs on his lifejacket? ’Henry (14)

‘I did like the creative style and detail. It’s a great story and would make a thrilling film.‘ Garry Mayo Antarctic Lab manager (one of the scientific experts)

‘It is almost overwhelming trying to make Utopia from a Garbage Patch. How can the viewpoint of adolescent Kit, the artist, and newly arrived refugee solve the problems? He does.’ Snowlin, YA reader/reviewer , teacher, Chennai, India.