Julian Carter-Li, a 12-year-old San Francisco boy, is faced with a dilemma in “Operation Redwood.”

Julian, whose Chinese mother has sent him to spend the summer with his Uncle Sibley and Aunt Daphne, cannot bear the icy attitude that his uncle and aunt are showing him. Suddenly, when Julian intercepts an e-mail for Sibley Carter, the CEO of the investment firm IPX, Julian realizes how dangerous his uncle is.

The e-mail, composed by a 12-year-old Robin Elder, criticizes Sibley for planning to cut down Big Tree Grove, one of the last reserves of ancient redwood forests in California. As Julian and his best friend Danny Lopez write back to Robin, they get more and more absorbed into stopping IPX from eradicating a priceless collection of nature.

Unfortunately, just as Julian and Danny secretly start to brainstorm ideas to save Big Tree Grove with Robin (whose family lives right next to the forest on Huckleberry Ranch), Julian’s uncle and aunt decide to send him away to math camp for the summer. Luckily, Danny hatches up a daring rescue plan for Julian: Instead of going to math camp, Julian will sneak off to Huckleberry Ranch and help Robin save the redwoods. At first, Julian regards the scheme with skepticism, but after a few e-mails and a phone call, Julian is on his way to Robin’s farm.

Thinking that Julian is part of the farm/urban network exchange program, Robin’s parents welcome him. Gradually, Julian learns to love the outdoors as he milks goats, pulls turnips and explores the forest. Quickly, he falls into a regular routine as the Elder family “adopts” him.

Suddenly, one afternoon after Julian and Robin return to the ranch from a tour of a tree house, they spot a sheriff’s patrol car and Aunt Daphne’s SUV outside the house. Shocked, Julian realizes that his plan to save the redwoods is shattered. Furious for his running away, Aunt Daphne snatches Julian back and locks him into his room. Will Julian ever be able to save Big Tree Grove, or is he at the mercy of fate?

“Operation Redwood,” by environmental lawyer S. Terrell French, vividly delineates the conservation efforts of two passionate and concerned young adults. Although the book is a work of fiction, it nevertheless brings into light the importance of cherishing the environment and striving to protect nature.

This story serves as an inspiration for its audience to take action and preserve the priceless ecosystems and environments of the world. Adventurous and moving, “Operation Redwood” teaches readers that they, too, can make a difference — one tree at a time.