THE STRANGE WONDERS OF ROOTS, by Evan Griffith, Quill Tree Books, May 28, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 8-12)
A girl is drawn to a fight over a local grove of trees set to be torn down in The Strange Wonders of Roots, by Evan Griffith.
Holly Foster knows that nothing lasts—not hometowns or schools, or even family. It’s just safer to keep herself uninvolved. So, when she’s sent to spend part of the summer with her uncle, she knows better than to get attached to him…or any part of his small Vermont town of Arden.
But when she arrives, she’s drawn into the drama that’s split the town: The local plastic factory is trying to tear down the trees in the center of Arden to build a visitor’s center and museum. Holly shocks herself by stepping into the fray and taking on one of the most powerful families in the area. But as she learns more about the town—and makes a new friend or two—Holly is determined to protect the one place she thinks she could finally belong. But will she be able to convince the other townspeople that the trees deserve to stay? —Synopsis provided by Quill Tree Books
The Strange Wonders of Roots is a gentle story about a girl who doesn’t know what it’s like to live in one place. Holly is bounced from parent to parent and city to city. And about the only thing she can count on is change.
But last year, Holly discovered trees. And she fell in love. And when she learns that the trees in her uncle’s town are in danger, she feels compelled to act.
The book follows Holly as she learns to acknowledge and accept her feelings, and by doing so, she grows beyond herself, building relationships and gaining friends. Her journey parallels that of the trees.
Author Evan Griffith’s writing is comfortable and inviting, and the parts when Holly is in the grove are especially well written. Griffith expertly captures the wonder of nature.
The Strange Wonders of Roots is a strong contemporary middle-grade novel that will speak to kids who love the natural world.
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