The politics, personalities, policies and laws surrounding timber harvest plans are complicated and confusing (to say nothing of frustrating), but Ms. French has distilled them all into a very readable and enjoyable story. In Julian, Danny and Robin, she has created characters who are age-appropriate but also very smart and savvy; that they are portrayed as such intelligent, problem-solving kids is very appealing. Adults who are interested in the book will see some very obvious parallels to the Headwaters/Pacific Lumber/Maxxam imbroglio in the plot and in fact the book features a very informative author’s note about the history and events that have transpired in Humbolt County, CA.