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.

If you described Holly Foster to someone, they might not initially see themselves in her, but if you read The Strange Wonders of Roots, I think that most people will find themselves relating to her. Who hasn’t felt grumpy about something they had to do at times? Who hasn’t felt lonely at some point in their life? Who hasn’t been hesitant to make friends at some point? And who hasn’t run into something that they discover they are completely passionate about?
I loved reading The Strange Wonders of Roots and seeing Holly learn about and process things that she feels strongly about and also seeing her grow and develop a little in new thoughts and relationships. Seeing her trying to decide if she wants to change her view about something. I found it all very relatable and even emotional at times. Even if you don’t see yourself in Holly, I really think there is something you can enjoy about her story. I love all the characters that she meets and interacts with, how they each have their own individual quirks and strong personalities that add to the story. I love that you get Holly in all her raw realness. There is nothing fake about her struggles. You get to see and feel what it is like for a girl going through something that is very real kid life.