Operation Redwood

July 1, 2009
Gr 4-7-When Julian Carter-Li, 12, becomes ill, he is sent by his school to the office of his wealthy, bullying uncle with whom he lives. There he sees email from a Robin Elder degrading the man for being a moron and world class jerk, and he quickly becomes fascinated with this spirited person. Through their exchanges, Julian learns that homeschooled Robin lives next to a grove of redwood trees that his uncles company plans to harvest, and Julian ditches math camp to see the trees for himself. Drawn to both the forest and Robins family, Julian embarks on a campaign to save the trees, and the children take up residence in the Elder familys tree house. With his friend Danny and Robin, he faces down his uncle to save the forest. Fast paced and full of fun, the story captures the excitement and satisfaction of defeating a large corporation. Situations are sometimes resolved too easily, and character development is spotty, but the story motivates readers to turn the pages regardless. Julians relationship with his younger cousin is well done, balancing the tension of a favored kid with genuine affection. Teachers will be able to use this novel for Earth Day discussions and can foster conversations on environmental activism of all types. The resolution reminds readers that everyone, no matter how large or small, can take action on issues that are important to them."Chris Shoemaker, New York Public Library"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2009
Julian can't resist reading an e-mail sent to his uncle: "Sibley Carter is a moron and a world-class jerk!!!" Robin, the note's author, is trying to protect a redwood forest from Uncle Sibley's voracious investment company. The book's modern feel balances its pastoral nature; French works in many facts about redwoods without losing the story's focus on its characters.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

July 1, 2009
Like main character Julian, many kids won't know much about old-growth redwood forests to begin with, but by the end of this eco-mystery they will know quite a bit and will probably care, too. The story engages the reader right from the start: Julian, who lives with his uncle Sibley while his mother travels, can't resist reading an e-mail on his uncle's computer with his own name as the subject -- not to mention another message with the subject line "Sibley Carter is a moron and a world-class jerk!!!" Julian manages to connect with Robin, the young author of the latter e-mail, who is trying to protect a redwood forest near her family's ranch from Uncle Sibley's voracious investment company. Julian's life in his uncle's household resembles Harry Potter's at the Dursleys', so it's a relief for Julian to spend time with Robin's family ("something clenched and anxious inside of Julian [began] to melt away"). French works in many facts about redwoods but keeps the focus on the characters; even the secondary characters are distinct and lively. Julian's best friend, Danny Lopez, provides welcome humor; and with his Mexican background and Julian's half-Chinese ethnicity, the book has a modern multicultural feel that balances the pastoral nature scenes. French gives the children some success in their quest to save the redwoods but wisely leaves the ultimate power in the hands of adults, combining child appeal with realism for a satisfying conclusion.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)