If you like "hope and magic and fairies," then you'll love this month's Roots & Shoots Book Club selection: Girlwood by Claire Dean. At the request of the author's daughter, for whom the book was written, Girlwood is full of all these things.

Geared to an adolescent and "tween" audience, the book tells the story of Polly, as she ventures into the fantastical tree grove known as "Girlwood." While there, Polly must rescue her unruly sister, save the grove from developers and discover the magic within herself. While the novel's protagonist is female and its title seemingly gender-specific, its themes are universal for young people.

"This is exactly the kind of book I would have loved as a teenager," said Dr. Jane, who wrote an endorsement for the book. "It emphasizes the healing power of animals and nature, which [can help] young readers to understand that it is okay to be different and that every individual can play a role in making this a better world."

Once you read Girlwood, you can start finding your role in the world. Here are some ideas:

Learn

• Make the most of your reading by checking out the Girlwood reading guide. With the guide, your Roots & Shoots group can explore themes of the novel, like environmentalism, creativity and coming of age.
• Copy the fanciful descriptions at the beginning of each chapter onto note cards and take them with you on your next hike to help you identify wild flora and fauna. Learn about edible plants from the author, whose home off the grid in Idaho often inspires her to forage for food. Ask an adult to help you test your knowledge in the forest.

Care

• From white trout in the lake to gray wolves in the woods, animals play a big role in Polly's life. What role do animals play in your life? Write a list of all the ways you interact—directly and indirectly—with animals. Then, think about how your life would be different without these animals.
• Connect with other readers and fans of the forest by taking a look at the Girlwood blog. Share your thoughts about the book on the Roots & Shoots Discussion Boards.

Act

• Follow in Polly's footsteps by showing care for a forest near you. Share what you've done on the Roots & Shoots Project Database.
• Prepare for your next camping trip by studying up on wilderness survival. Try organizing a "Girlwood weekend" or "Boywood weekend," as the author often does with her daughter and their friends.

Ready to read? Venture into Girlwood?

Check out other Roots & Shoots Book Club selections:

• Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
• Hug Time by Patrick McDonnell
• In Our Village edited by Barbara Cervone