1. Due to Cedar’s belief that the trees are her forest family, she has personified them by naming them. Do you believe plant species, such as trees, have their own personalities and deserve names?
2. Why is Mrs. Doneaway so harsh when it comes to reprimanding Cedar and Phillip? Does it have something to do with who she favors and who she doesn’t? Or is it because Cedar and Phillip are different from the other kids and she is childish when it comes to judging those she doesn’t know a lot about?
3. Dan used social media and technology to inform people about the demolishment of the Worcester Woods. Was that a good move on his part? If he hadn’t used the Internet to help, would the movement still have gotten the attention it did?
4. Were Cedar’s and Phillip’s parents’ reactions acceptable when they made it to the Worcester Woods?
5. Even if Cedar and the link between her living and dying was not connected to Stella and the rest of the trees, do you think Phillip still would have done so much to try and save the forest?
6. Do you agree with Cedar when she says the forest is an escape? Do you spend a lot of time in the forest as well?
7. Because some trees have longer life-spans than the average human, does that mean Cedar will have a prolonged life? Or is it possible that she will live a normal life and Stella will only serve as her life support for as long as Cedar needs it? And when Cedar becomes old and it is time for her to pass, will Stella pass away with her?
8. Do you know of any environmental groups in your area? Are you or someone you know a part of one?
9. How does Cedar react to the malicious things Miranda and Sam say and do? How does Phillip react? Why do you think Miranda and Sam are so mean to them?
10. Would you have helped saved the Worcester Woods with Cedar and Phillip?
11. Is it possible for Cedar to be a child of the forest? She has an unexplainable connection with the Worcester Woods. Could it possibly be something otherworldly, something magical? Or just a strong love for nature and the trees?
12. The story goes that Cedar was found at the base of a tree, whom we now know as Stella. Is it possible that the trees sent Cedar in order to save them? And if so, did they work some sort of spell on Phillip to help Cedar?
13. At the beginning of the novel, Phillip is a little hesitant to accept the invitation for joining The Order of the Trees. How do his views of the forest change? Why?
14. Compare and contrast Phillip at the beginning and end of the novel. How and why has he changed?
15. Besides keeping Cedar and The Order safe, why was it important for Phillip to save the Worcester Woods? Why is it important to save any kind of forest?
16. If you had the chance to save a forest, would you?
17. Do you think Phillip gained the confidence he had to save his friend and the forest by becoming friends with Cedar? Or did he have it within him all along?
18. Was it right for Phillip to lie and break the law so he could save his friend and The Order?