CANNED and CRUSHED

'Canned and Crushed' book by Bibi Belford     CANNED and CRUSHED

Hi there, I’m Sandro. Sandro-the recycling king. Sandro-the soccer sensation. Sandro-the-hero. I see you’re thinking about reading this book. Great idea! You should definitely read about me, a kid who saves his sister’s life and the environment at the same time. A kid who kicks the championship soccer goal. A kid who’s a hometown-hero and never gets into trouble. What’s that? You say it sounds too good to be true? Well, I guess I might be exaggerating, just a little. Oh, all right. A lot. In fact, I’m not too proud about some of the things that happen in this book. You know what? I think you better put this book down. Go read Harry Potter. Now that kid was really a hero. But honestly, where would he be without his magic wand? Probably just like you and me. On second thought—go ahead, read this book.

ABOUT CANNED and CRUSHED: 

Fourth grade’s tough. But how much trouble can one kid get into when he’s just trying to help his sister? 

When Sandro Zapote finds out his little sister needs heart surgery, he is determined to help his parents raise the money so she can get treatment. Sandro’s dad is in the States illegally and must work two jobs to support the family. For one, he picks up roadkill for the department of streets and sanitation and gets paid by the carcass. For the other, he collects scrap metal to recycle for cash. Sandro helps his dad with some of the scrap metal heavy-lifting, and that’s when he has a brilliant idea: can collecting. Save the environment. Save his sister. Maybe even save some spending money for the fabulous, fast new bike he’s been coveting. Well-meaning and with funny inner monologue, Sandro is the kind of person you can’t help but cheer for. He’s a boy who loves drawing, soccer, and his little sister. And whether he’s fishing a fuzzy, dust-coated turtle out from under his sister’s bed or organizing a school-wide can drive all by himself, Sandro is a smart, self-aware hero who makes just a few mistakes along the way.

REVIEWS of CANNED and CRUSHED

  • Read the Kirkus Review https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/bibi-belford/canned-and-crushed/
  • “Holy guacamole! You’ve got to meet soccer star Sandro, whose brain is as quick as his feet—which is good because between chasing a turtle who’s an escape artist, helping his dad collect roadkill, and conquering fourth grade, he’s got to move fast. Luckily, Sandro’s the kind of kid who puts the can in can-do and the fun in funny. You’ll laugh out loud at Sandro’s adventures, sympathize with his foul-ups, and cheer for his wins. Also, watch out: you’ll never look at duct tape or fourth grade the same way again!”—Valerie Tripp, best-selling author of the American Girl series books

For more reviews, check out the reviews page!

Who Should Read CANNED and CRUSHED? 

Kids with little sisters.
Kids who recycle.
Kids who like art.
Kids who play soccer.
Kids who like turtles.
Kids who save the day or try to.
Kids who have teachers that say funny things.
Kids who speak Spanish.