The Strange Wonders of Roots

From the acclaimed author of Manatee Summer comes a poignant story about a girl who learns to lay down roots as she’s drawn into a fight over a local grove of trees that’s in danger of being torn down. Perfect for fans of Hoot and Operation Redwood.

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? 

• Found Family: Holly doesn’t want to get attached, but the quirky committee fighting to save the trees—including her quiet uncle—might just be the family she’s always needed.
• Unlikely Friendship: She’s determined to keep to herself, but an energetic, roller-skating boy named Lionel has other plans for her summer.
• Small Town Setting: Welcome to Arden, Vermont—a town of colorful houses, quirky locals, and one very important grove of trees at the heart of a community-wide battle.
• Protecting the Environment: Holly uses her scientific knowledge of trees to fight a powerful plastics factory, proving that one kid’s voice can make a world of difference.

Evan Griffith is the author of the middle grade novels Manatee Summer, The Strange Wonders of Roots, and Not a Dog, as well as several nonfiction picture books. He received his MFA in Writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and now teaches creative writing at multiple colleges. He lives in Austin, TX. Visit Evan online at evangriffithbooks.com.