Illustration of Luftan leading a group of children to clean up trash with large trash monsters looming.
Luftan and Monsters
Luftan and Monsters
Average Rating: 0.0
Country: Indonesia
Author: Benny Rhamdani
Illustrator: Kautsar Rina Arifin
Ages: 8-10
Publisher: Noura Books courtesy Room to Read
Story Source: Literacy cloud

About The Story

Grandma’s village was drowning in trash—plastic bags, wrappers, and bottles tossed everywhere. The piles grew bigger and scarier each day, until they became trash monsters! But one boy, Luftan, knew it didn’t have to be this way. Over time, Luftan rallied 350 young people to take a stand. Their mission? Defeat the trash monsters using the power of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle! They cleaned up the village and its river, taught neighbors how to cut down waste, and turned old items into useful ones. Luftan and his team proved that even a big problem can be solved when a community comes together. Based on a true story. Luftan received the Ashoka Young Changemaker award.

Themes

On Land & in Seas
Health & Wellbeing
Biography
Environment & Conservation

Sub Themes

Youth Leadership
Plastic Pollution
Civic Responsibility
Waterway Restoration

Parent-Teacher Guide

Learning Outcome

  • Understand the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3Rs).
  • Learn how youth-led action can bring real change.
  • Explore the impact of plastic pollution on land and water.
  • Recognize how teamwork and civic action can improve their own surroundings.

Lesson Plan

  • Use Luftan’s story as a launchpad to discuss trash, pollution, and how students can lead cleanup or upcycling efforts in their schools or neighborhoods.

Activities

  • Trash Audit: Have students sort collected trash into recyclable, compostable, and landfill categories.
  • Trash Monster Art: Create trash monsters from actual clean waste materials for display in the school art section.
  • Neighborhood Heroes: Start a classroom campaign to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle with posters, talks, and action days.

Story Discussion Guide

Before reading

  • What kinds of trash do you see around your school or home?
  • Why do you think trash is a problem?

During reading

  • What did Luftan see in his village that others ignored?
  • How did he get others involved?
  • What actions did they take together?

After reading

  • What was your favorite part of Luftan’s plan?
  • What would you do if your town had trash monsters?
  • Can one child really make a difference?

Applicable Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

The story models how reducing waste and reusing items can build a sustainable community.

SDG 13 – Climate Action SDG 14 – Life Below Water

Community-led action on waste contributes to climate solutions.

SDG 14 — Life Below Water

By cleaning up the river, the children protect aquatic ecosystems from plastic pollution.

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