Composting for Community by Michael Martinez

Composting for Community by Michael Martinez

International Latino Book Award 2025: Gold Medal Winner for Best Environmental Awareness Themed Book

Winner of the 2024 Green Earth Book Honor Award

The Big Bang Notable Book List 2025: Silver Medal Science Spark Award

Bookstagang's Best of 2023 Awards in the category of Best Conversation Starters of 2023

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.

Michael Anthony Martinez grew up in Southern California. As a kid, he enjoyed riding bikes, hiking, and playing outdoors with friends.

Martinez was not the biggest fan of school, but he loved to let his imagination run wild. Never losing that joy and creativity, Martinez now brings his vivid stories and daring adventures to the pages of children's books.