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The Order of the Trees
Found as a baby, on a bed of moss under an old growth tree, Cedar s beginning was a mystery. As she began her sixth grade year, Cedar resembled her namesake with her wild mane of brown hair, her sinewy body, and deer-like eyes. She makes her first true friend, a new student, Phillip, with whom she shares her special woodland spot along with the gifts it brings.
When Cedar falls suddenly ill, Phillip discovers that her health is connected to the fate of the forest where she was found. Their special woods are threatened by an impending development, so they create a plan to save it which includes a hospital, a getaway car, and a protest."
When Cedar falls suddenly ill, Phillip discovers that her health is connected to the fate of the forest where she was found. Their special woods are threatened by an impending development, so they create a plan to save it which includes a hospital, a getaway car, and a protest."
- GenresYoung AdultFiction
124 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2015
2 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
About the author
Katy Farber
14 books91 followersKaty Farber is an author and Assistant Professor of Education in Vermont. Katy has authored or co-authored four books about education, a picture book called Salamander Sky (McSea Books), and a middle grade novel called The Order of the Trees. Her latest education book came out in June, called Real Talk for New Teachers: Tools for a Sustainable Career with Routledge. Her debut fiction for adults is called The Board and will be published by Blackstone Publishing on Sept. 9, 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 1, 2015
My review below includes a couple of plot points that could be considered spoilers. But if you're a parent of a middle schooler looking for a helpful review of this wonderful book, read on.
When a couple finds a baby girl abandoned in the woods at the foot of a tall cedar tree, they don't know what to make of it. Who would leave a babe in the woods? The trees know . . . but they can't say. The couple adopt the girl and name her Cedar, after the tree where she was found. They know she's special, just not how special. The kids in school make fun of Cedar because she's different, but she's able to spark up a friendship with another outcast named Phillip. Cedar opens up to her new friend and asks him to join her club—The Order of the Trees. Phillip quickly realizes that he and Cedar are the only human members; the other members are the trees and the animals in the woods where Cedar was found. But Phillip doesn't mind, he thinks it's cool. And it is! Cedar teaches him about the trees and animals and how special they are; it's like she's connected to the trees, feels what they feel, knows what they know. Does she? One day, Cedar and Phillip notice orange tape tied to all the trees in Cedar's woods, and they learn that the land is going to be cleared for development. At once Cedar falls deathly ill. Nobody knows what's wrong with her—but Phillip does. The problem is, he's sure no one will believe him. What follows is some great derring-do by two kids determined to do the right thing.
Farber's The Order Of The Trees is a enjoyable eco-adventure for middle schoolers. The author puts a loving touch on this book, and her writing is clear and crisp. Any middle schooler should be able to read this with no trouble, but at the same time won't feel like it's a "kiddy" book. The characters are also genuine, not stiff, and easily relatable. It was a joy to read and is a must have for any young nature lover in your family.
-Eric Andreas (author of Origins Rising)
When a couple finds a baby girl abandoned in the woods at the foot of a tall cedar tree, they don't know what to make of it. Who would leave a babe in the woods? The trees know . . . but they can't say. The couple adopt the girl and name her Cedar, after the tree where she was found. They know she's special, just not how special. The kids in school make fun of Cedar because she's different, but she's able to spark up a friendship with another outcast named Phillip. Cedar opens up to her new friend and asks him to join her club—The Order of the Trees. Phillip quickly realizes that he and Cedar are the only human members; the other members are the trees and the animals in the woods where Cedar was found. But Phillip doesn't mind, he thinks it's cool. And it is! Cedar teaches him about the trees and animals and how special they are; it's like she's connected to the trees, feels what they feel, knows what they know. Does she? One day, Cedar and Phillip notice orange tape tied to all the trees in Cedar's woods, and they learn that the land is going to be cleared for development. At once Cedar falls deathly ill. Nobody knows what's wrong with her—but Phillip does. The problem is, he's sure no one will believe him. What follows is some great derring-do by two kids determined to do the right thing.
Farber's The Order Of The Trees is a enjoyable eco-adventure for middle schoolers. The author puts a loving touch on this book, and her writing is clear and crisp. Any middle schooler should be able to read this with no trouble, but at the same time won't feel like it's a "kiddy" book. The characters are also genuine, not stiff, and easily relatable. It was a joy to read and is a must have for any young nature lover in your family.
-Eric Andreas (author of Origins Rising)
May 19, 2015
After reading “The Order of the Trees” by Katy Farber, I truly believe that sometimes books find you, not just that you find them. I have no idea where I stumbled across a recommendation for this book, but I am so glad I ordered it. It’s a little book, just over 100 pages, written for grades 4-8, but it will touch the hearts of adults as well and provide a wonderful opportunity to speak with the tweens in your life. I will be gifting copies to my grandchildren.
Katy Farber is described as an author, blogger, teacher and advocate. She cares about the environment, and her concern is evident in this sweet story. I found an interview with Farber where she was talking to young people and think she sums her book up better than I can:
“Next you should know that sometimes you will feel so utterly alone. Everyone does. All the fabulous performers, famous politicians and leaders, the ones you think have it altogether. You are never alone. At some point you will feel bullied, different—just like the characters in this book. But you will find your tribe, even if that tribe is just ONE other person. That is all you need. The characters in this book found each other—and what they do is extraordinary. You might not find your tribe for a long while. There is nothing wrong with that. We each find them in our own time. Just hang out—and know that EVERYONE feels alone and isolated at some point. Just like the characters in this book.
"So, The Order of the Trees. This book is inspired by the beautiful place in which we live. Our woods, our school, our dirt roads and our people. This is the story of a girl who was as different as they come. She was found as a baby under an old growth white Cedar tree. We find her in sixth grade, making her first real friend, when the trouble starts.”
I would love to see this book in every school library. I can also say, it would make a wonderful addition to your library at home, too.
Katy Farber is described as an author, blogger, teacher and advocate. She cares about the environment, and her concern is evident in this sweet story. I found an interview with Farber where she was talking to young people and think she sums her book up better than I can:
“Next you should know that sometimes you will feel so utterly alone. Everyone does. All the fabulous performers, famous politicians and leaders, the ones you think have it altogether. You are never alone. At some point you will feel bullied, different—just like the characters in this book. But you will find your tribe, even if that tribe is just ONE other person. That is all you need. The characters in this book found each other—and what they do is extraordinary. You might not find your tribe for a long while. There is nothing wrong with that. We each find them in our own time. Just hang out—and know that EVERYONE feels alone and isolated at some point. Just like the characters in this book.
"So, The Order of the Trees. This book is inspired by the beautiful place in which we live. Our woods, our school, our dirt roads and our people. This is the story of a girl who was as different as they come. She was found as a baby under an old growth white Cedar tree. We find her in sixth grade, making her first real friend, when the trouble starts.”
I would love to see this book in every school library. I can also say, it would make a wonderful addition to your library at home, too.
September 2, 2015
Personal rating: 3.7
Cedar is a young girl who is living a very strange life. She was discovered as a baby in a forest under a tree and has grown to have the same characters as a fawn. Unfortunately in the middle of Math class, she becomes weak and feels abnormal pain throughout her body and becomes aware that the loving forest she was born in may be in danger.
The book had a cute story and likeable main characters but I had some serious problems with other characters in this short book. Why is it that every book that involves other school children have to be so mean? Not just the other children but even Cedar's teacher, she was probably the biggest bully of them all. I cringed every time these other characters spoke.
Other than that, the book had a beautiful message to tell by the end and I loved the backdrop on the cover as well.
Cedar is a young girl who is living a very strange life. She was discovered as a baby in a forest under a tree and has grown to have the same characters as a fawn. Unfortunately in the middle of Math class, she becomes weak and feels abnormal pain throughout her body and becomes aware that the loving forest she was born in may be in danger.
The book had a cute story and likeable main characters but I had some serious problems with other characters in this short book. Why is it that every book that involves other school children have to be so mean? Not just the other children but even Cedar's teacher, she was probably the biggest bully of them all. I cringed every time these other characters spoke.
Other than that, the book had a beautiful message to tell by the end and I loved the backdrop on the cover as well.
May 16, 2015
There is simply no greater wonder than seeing your child literally absorbed into the pages of a good book.
My son began reading this story in the car ride on the way home the day it was purchased and proceeded to devour the book in the course of one evening! He was so engrossed that he literally read the first half while still buckled into the backseat of our parked car in the driveway, came inside with a pass on dinner, and relocated to the couch to finish the story!
His words: “She has this trick to writing where you end the chapter needing to know what happens next…” I’d say that’s a great writer and a great story! Success!
My son began reading this story in the car ride on the way home the day it was purchased and proceeded to devour the book in the course of one evening! He was so engrossed that he literally read the first half while still buckled into the backseat of our parked car in the driveway, came inside with a pass on dinner, and relocated to the couch to finish the story!
His words: “She has this trick to writing where you end the chapter needing to know what happens next…” I’d say that’s a great writer and a great story! Success!
May 3, 2015
I was delighted to receive this book in the mail yesterday and couldn't wait to start reading it. It did not disappoint. The story drew me in right away and had several messages for the reader. Not only does it touch on the importance of ecology, but also on the power of friendship. I loved to see Phillip become empowered as the book progressed. It helps kids know that if they have a passion for something they can make a difference. A joy!
August 26, 2018
A simple, quick read (even for middle graders) with elements of Timothy Green and Katherine Applegate's Wishtree, with an environmental message.
May 8, 2015
Katy Farber’s new book The Order of the Trees is such a lovely piece of work that it’s hard to know what aspect to sing the praises of in this short space! Farber has honed a style of writing that will totally engage upper elementary and middle schoolers, a skill no doubt fed by her years of experience with this age group. She has crafted excellent characterizations of adolescents on the cusp of self-realization.
One particularly fine example is that of Phillip, the young man who plays one of the two central roles in the story. He is introduced in this way: “He sat behind thick glasses, with his matted hair combed behind his ears. He was pale, and sat with his head between his hands ”…. “Not many people actually spoke to him. He had just moved to the Chester school, and didn’t have any friends. He and his mom moved around quite a bit. “
Cedar, the wonderful wood sprite character, becomes Phillip’s friend, and together they make this story. Cedar is a strong and admirable character, and because of her friendship, Philip grows beyond his poor self-perception into a brave and honorable young man. How he does this shows the depth of Farber’s understanding of the particular pain, depth, and resourcefulness of young people who feel that they are outsiders.
What a wonderful book this is for inspiring rich discussion on topics including friendship, bullying, environmental issues, parent/child relationships, loyalty and courage! Please read The Order of the Trees and share!
Lynne W.
Vermont School Librarian
One particularly fine example is that of Phillip, the young man who plays one of the two central roles in the story. He is introduced in this way: “He sat behind thick glasses, with his matted hair combed behind his ears. He was pale, and sat with his head between his hands ”…. “Not many people actually spoke to him. He had just moved to the Chester school, and didn’t have any friends. He and his mom moved around quite a bit. “
Cedar, the wonderful wood sprite character, becomes Phillip’s friend, and together they make this story. Cedar is a strong and admirable character, and because of her friendship, Philip grows beyond his poor self-perception into a brave and honorable young man. How he does this shows the depth of Farber’s understanding of the particular pain, depth, and resourcefulness of young people who feel that they are outsiders.
What a wonderful book this is for inspiring rich discussion on topics including friendship, bullying, environmental issues, parent/child relationships, loyalty and courage! Please read The Order of the Trees and share!
Lynne W.
Vermont School Librarian
May 15, 2015
A Book Review by my daughter, age 9
The Order of the Trees by Katy Farber is a good book to sit down and read. This story takes place at Chester School and in the forest. It is fiction with some science-based facts. The story is a middle grade novel written by a teacher.
This story is about a girl named Cedar and her friend Phillip. There is a story that Cedar was found under a small pocket of roots in the forest, when her soon-to-be parents were taking a hike and found her.
Cedar loves the forest. She invited Phillip into her club called the Order of the Trees, where they listen to the forest. Cedar named the tree she was found under Stella and made her the queen of the forest.
One day there is an article in the paper that says there is a new development planned for Worcester Woods. The workers are cutting down all the trees. In class, Cedar starts getting unconscious and falls onto the floor. Phillip thinks Cedar’s life may be connected to Stella’s. If he is right, will he be able to save her?
Phillip is making a fundraiser to save Worcester Woods. Cedar was taken to the hospital and he plans to break her out. They flee to the Worcester Woods and Cedar seems to get better already, but who would be looking for them? Police, their parents, the nurses?
I liked that this book was about trying to save nature and that it had some adventure in it. I would recommend this book for ages 8 and up. You might enjoy this book if you like nature and some adventure and suspense. So, what are you waiting for? Find somewhere comfortable and start reading!
The Order of the Trees by Katy Farber is a good book to sit down and read. This story takes place at Chester School and in the forest. It is fiction with some science-based facts. The story is a middle grade novel written by a teacher.
This story is about a girl named Cedar and her friend Phillip. There is a story that Cedar was found under a small pocket of roots in the forest, when her soon-to-be parents were taking a hike and found her.
Cedar loves the forest. She invited Phillip into her club called the Order of the Trees, where they listen to the forest. Cedar named the tree she was found under Stella and made her the queen of the forest.
One day there is an article in the paper that says there is a new development planned for Worcester Woods. The workers are cutting down all the trees. In class, Cedar starts getting unconscious and falls onto the floor. Phillip thinks Cedar’s life may be connected to Stella’s. If he is right, will he be able to save her?
Phillip is making a fundraiser to save Worcester Woods. Cedar was taken to the hospital and he plans to break her out. They flee to the Worcester Woods and Cedar seems to get better already, but who would be looking for them? Police, their parents, the nurses?
I liked that this book was about trying to save nature and that it had some adventure in it. I would recommend this book for ages 8 and up. You might enjoy this book if you like nature and some adventure and suspense. So, what are you waiting for? Find somewhere comfortable and start reading!
March 27, 2017
Cedar is not your average 6th grade girl. When she was a baby, her parents found her in the forest, bundled up at the foot of an ancient cedar tree. Cedar makes a new friend at school named Phillip, and she invites him to join her club called The Order of the Trees.
Cedar is currently the only member of the secret club. She holds her meetings in the forest where she was found. The trees are very special to her, and she finds it her duty to watch over them. When she explains to Phillip why they are so important, Phillip loves her passion. He quickly grows to love the trees, too.
Cedar has always felt a special connection to the trees, especially the cedar wood. However, she and Phillip find out that her connection is much stronger than anyone could have ever guessed!
Opinion:
Even though this was a fairly short story, I thought that the plot and characters were well-developed. I was able to picture Cedar's disheveled appearance in my mind, and I quickly grew to admire her.
The author did an excellent job depicting Cedar as a strong girl who wasn't embarrassed by her past. Through Cedar, the reader can gain an appreciation for Cedar's love of nature. In this way, the story carries a hidden message about the importance of protecting nature. I would highly recommend this book to others.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age: 12
Cedar is currently the only member of the secret club. She holds her meetings in the forest where she was found. The trees are very special to her, and she finds it her duty to watch over them. When she explains to Phillip why they are so important, Phillip loves her passion. He quickly grows to love the trees, too.
Cedar has always felt a special connection to the trees, especially the cedar wood. However, she and Phillip find out that her connection is much stronger than anyone could have ever guessed!
Opinion:
Even though this was a fairly short story, I thought that the plot and characters were well-developed. I was able to picture Cedar's disheveled appearance in my mind, and I quickly grew to admire her.
The author did an excellent job depicting Cedar as a strong girl who wasn't embarrassed by her past. Through Cedar, the reader can gain an appreciation for Cedar's love of nature. In this way, the story carries a hidden message about the importance of protecting nature. I would highly recommend this book to others.
Reviewed by a LitPick student book reviewer Age: 12
May 26, 2015
What an amazing read!
Cedar, a young girl who was found as a baby at the base of a cedar tree is a wise and thoughtful 6th grade girl.
She is comfortable in the woods where she was found and has the self confidence to promote her environmentalist beliefs. Unfortunately, her classmates respond with ridicule rather than acceptance. She does find a friend in a boy named Phillip who she invites into her club, The Order of Trees.
When the woods are threatened by developers Cedar is physically affected by the destruction. Phillip, understands that her pain is related to the cutting and clearing of the land and he takes admirable steps to save his friend and the forest.
There are beautiful and timely messages within this novel - friendship, acceptance and environmentalism just to name a few.
Teachers and students alike will want to get their hands on this title. it is fast paced and has big heart.
Cedar, a young girl who was found as a baby at the base of a cedar tree is a wise and thoughtful 6th grade girl.
She is comfortable in the woods where she was found and has the self confidence to promote her environmentalist beliefs. Unfortunately, her classmates respond with ridicule rather than acceptance. She does find a friend in a boy named Phillip who she invites into her club, The Order of Trees.
When the woods are threatened by developers Cedar is physically affected by the destruction. Phillip, understands that her pain is related to the cutting and clearing of the land and he takes admirable steps to save his friend and the forest.
There are beautiful and timely messages within this novel - friendship, acceptance and environmentalism just to name a few.
Teachers and students alike will want to get their hands on this title. it is fast paced and has big heart.
June 5, 2015
The reason I loved this magical book so much is because the very talented writer Katy Farber imbued such a great presence to our lovely protagonist Cedar and also to the trees and wildlife that she represents. She reminds us how inextricably tied into them we are in a very beautiful and powerful way. I love that Cedar's struggle is life and death and that she develops such a great friendship along the way to help her through it all. Farber reminds us, through Cedar's heroism, how important is is to act and not just talk about the things that mean so much to us. Inspiring and thought provoking, a must read for anyone who cares about the natural world around them.
July 10, 2015
My children and I loved this book. The themes of loyal friendship, connection to nature, and being different/bullied appealed to all of us.
May 28, 2015
Fantastic YA book! Great friendship lessons and an important environmental message.
July 11, 2017
This is a lovely little story, sweet and innocent (unlike many middle school books) and with a subtle conservation message wound through it. The language is clear and precise, making it easy to read and easy to follow. The ending was a bit rushed, though - another couple of chapters would have been perfect. But, a nice addition to the middle school library.
** Free copy received through GoodReads giveaways **
** Free copy received through GoodReads giveaways **
September 17, 2017
In full disclosure, Katy is a friend of mine.
The image of Cedar and Phillip standing by Stella in solidarity against a development taking out a first is a powerful one. I enjoyed the friendship of the two kids.
One aspect I appreciated was the tree imagery...Cedar was rooted...I saw what you did there!
I would have liked a bit more subtly to the themes, thus the three stars.
The image of Cedar and Phillip standing by Stella in solidarity against a development taking out a first is a powerful one. I enjoyed the friendship of the two kids.
One aspect I appreciated was the tree imagery...Cedar was rooted...I saw what you did there!
I would have liked a bit more subtly to the themes, thus the three stars.
June 27, 2017
Es un libro para niños, lo sé, pero creo que el desarrollo de la historia no está muy bien logrado. No se logra alcanzar una empatía con los personajes, ni con la causa por la que luchan.
January 4, 2018
Perfectly magical explanation of our connection to the woods and the power each of us holds!
December 22, 2019
Written by a local author, fun to read about our community and the passion our students have for being socially justice minded.
September 6, 2016
This is an excellent book for young adults. The main character, Cedar, a baby,was found in a bed of moss under an old tree in the woods by a couple hiking. When she suddenly falls ill in school, her only friend, Phillip discovers why. Her health and the fate of the forest seem to be connected. I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
February 5, 2016
A quick and easy read, and a lovely story idea. I didn't care much for the writing itself, though.
June 13, 2016
a little preachy
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