A great coming of age story all about Hugo being forced to move from Denver to a smaller town during his father's midlife crisis. Hugo has never been one to "fit in" - having been born with constant hospital stays resulting in growth delays, let's just say he wasn't the average size of his classmates - which caught him a lot flak. As he transitions to his new life and the promise from his father that he will NOT be drowning in work like he was back in Denver - he finds himself in his cousin Vij's shadow at school UNTIL word gets out that Hugo can read your trash like FBI analysts read people. As Hugo's popularity starts to grow without the help of his cousin, so does his ego. Hugo has to find his true self during a time of frustration, retaliation, and popularity.
Themes: bullying, parents fighting, midlife crisis, lying, friendship.

3.5 stars

With Hugo, Sumner creates another charming m.c. whom readers have no choice but to root for and admire. Readers of all ages will find a lot to enjoy here.

Hugo is less than thrilled when his parents uproot the family and move over two hours away to investigate new career opportunities and be closer to extended family, but regardless of where he lives, one of Hugo's central struggles seems to follow: stature-related bullying. Classmates make an easy target out of Hugo, and the bullying he endures comes off as both realistic and heartbreaking. Sumner covers this topic, as well as parental strife, economic struggles, family communication issues, and a general sense of childhood alienation, expertly throughout.

While this piece has so many high points, I never fully connected with the titular trash investigation situation. This did make more sense with the end note, but I felt a disconnect between this feature and most of the rest of the novel. Garbology was more of a distraction than a highlight for me.

Overall, this is another win from Sumner, and while it does not match its predecessors for me, I will keep enthusiastically reading and requesting all future installments from this author.

Another hit by Jamie Sumner. I'll admit, I wasn't sure how garbage reading was going to carry a story but I was pleasantly surprised. I will be recommending this one to students for sure.

This book tells the story of Hugo who is starting a new middle school because his family has moved. He's always been picked on and bullied because of his small size, and this sadly happens again at his new school. However, when people find out his talent for garbology, his cool factor starts to rise. I'm having a really hard time writing this review because I am a huge fan of Jamie Sumner's previous books. I found both Roll With It and Tune It Out amazing reads because they were so moving for me. Unfortunately, I just did not connect with One Kid's Trash in the same way.so I would rate it a 3.5. I just could not relate to the main character, but it could be the perfect read for someone else.

Hugo is the new kid in school and he's small for his age. Not to mention that he attends school with his cooler cousin, Vij that brings Hugo headfirst into the world of the school newsletter. To top it all off, a big kid named Chance rubs his head for luck sometimes.
At home, life with his parents isn't any better when Dad's new job becomes his new focus leaving mom and Hugo constantly on their own.
Hugo shares his hidden talent for "Garbology" with his cousin and some friends, and suddenly everyone knows all about it. Reading other people's trash to find out about them soon becomes the talk of the school. Is this how Hugo will finally shine with his own light, or does the whole idea get "trashed?"
I really enjoyed the heartfelt and real voice of the main character and I could feel his issues with the vivid memories he shares. Sumner does a fantastic job with characters and sharing emotional reality which is at the heart of this book. I would have liked to have seen more in the resolution. Almost like, what happens next to these characters, because the reader misses them.

Hugo is a boy who has had no say in how his life is going. His Dad decides he wants to live his dream instead of just working a job and moves the family across Colorado because her wants to be a ski instructor. This leaves Hugo and his Mom feeling a little lost and struggling to find their place. Thankfully, Hugo has his cousin Vij to help him fit in at a new school. Middle school is hard enough, but when you are the smallest kid in the grade, the new kid and no real athletic ability, it is even harder. So Vij tries to connect Hugo with his friends.
Hugo shares his garbage reading talent with his cousin and it becomes and very big deal, but it turns into something way more than Hugo or Vij ever imagines it could be.

Sumner does an amazing job or writing underdog characters to face great challenge, but find ways to "save themselves" and not depend on those around them. She shows how main characters and struggle and still triumph within that. Amazing writer!

Really great story about being the new kid and finding your place, making a huge mistake and not only owning up to it but also working to make amends, and learning how to talk to your parents. The garbology aspect was an interesting twist on a unique talent. I would love to read more about Hugo, Vij, and the gang!

Hugo’s family has moved and he is not happy. He will have to make new friends, and because he’s short for his age he gets picked on. As time passes, he impresses and makes friends when he accidentally shows how a person’s trash reveals what you value. Some problems arise at home and at school, and Hugo realizes you have to work for things that matter because good things aren’t always easy. Great book.