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Review: The Rent Collector: Adapted for Young Readers

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Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2022. Fiction. 227 p. 

Sang Ly lives at the dump with her family. They pay the rent by collecting trash and selling it for money. Life is difficult with gangs, a sick baby and constant rent to pay. When Sang Ly's husband finds a children's book at the dump, their life changes as Sang Ly convinces the rent collector to teach her to read to provide a better life for her young son. 

This inspirational book is based on a true story and should be heard by everyone. The Young Readers version of this award-winning novel makes this story accessible to a larger population of readers. Although the characters are adults, this is a story that older elementary children can enjoy and much learning can take place as discussions revolve around it. It is a beautiful book with drawing characters, life lessons and reflection.

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