Tyler Whitesides’ War of the Wasteland, the third book in the Janitors School of Garbage series, showcases his consistently imaginative and entertaining writing. While part of a series, this installment can be enjoyed as a standalone read. However, starting with the first book is highly recommended to fully appreciate Whitesides’ fantastic storytelling and witty humor, which makes his books appealing even to reluctant readers.
In War of the Wasteland, step-siblings Landon and Jade, despite being children, are thrust into a crucial role. With many protective adults gone, they must work together to save the world, demonstrating impressive teamwork, perseverance, and innovative thinking. Along their journey, they encounter both adversaries and allies, including helpful, witty, and comically less-brilliant characters, all contributing to the story’s humor. The plot moves swiftly with plenty of action and adventure, while also incorporating valuable lessons on environmental responsibility, the importance of second chances, and self-worth. This book is an excellent choice for a family read-along, a book club, and will undoubtedly be enjoyed by tweens and teens.
Review of copy provided by Shadow Mountain
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: None
Violence/Gore: Several (18) brief incidents including verbal threats; characters could get hurt or die; plans for destruction; references to people getting abducted and disappearing; reference to trying to destroy fantasy characters; second-hand report of squirrel getting run over and dying; reference to fantasy characters fighting; second-hand report of building getting destroyed; character getting bit by fantasy animal; character punches and breaks mirror; fantasy characters hurting people; character sprains ankle; characters get attacked by fantasy item and fantasy characters that could cause death; fantasy character dies; character’s hand gets burned; fantasy violence that could potentially cause actual damage to property. One extended incident of people fighting fantasy characters.
Sex/Nudity: Few (4) brief incidents of adult character being in a relationship, having heart broken and breaking up; reference to single parent dating.
Mature Subject Matter:
Divorce; potential for world coming to an end.
Alcohol/Drug Use:
Adult character makes reference to when he used to party.
