A Fiery Friendship

Description

Lions, and tigers, and bears, not quite! This "fast-paced series opener" (Kirkus Reviews) tells the origin story of the world's most iconic Good Witch, Glinda, as she embarks on a brave adventure in Oz against the Wicked Witches. On her Declaration Day, a day meant for celebration and happiness, Glinda's peaceful life in Oz is shattered when her mother is imprisoned for practicing forbidden Magic. As she is ripped from her home by a fearsome bounty hunter sent by Aphidina, the Witch of the South, Glinda soon uncovers a startling truth: the Oz she's always known is not good and right-it's a world governed by the wickedest of the wicked, overrun with tyranny, corruption, and dark power. And Glinda's mother? She is actually a high-ranking member of a secret society whose mission is to overthrow the four Wicked Witches and set the stage for the return of the rightful ruler of Oz. With the help of a feisty, purple-haired girl named Locasta, Glinda sets across the unforgiving landscape to rescue her mother. They are soon joined by Ben, a revolutionary New Yorker, and a mysterious girl called Shade. Armed with their individual gifts, these unlikely heroes mount an epic attack on Aphidina to free Glinda's mother...and save the future of Oz from the Wickeds before it's too late.

Lisa Fiedler is the author of many novels for children and young adults. She divides her time between Connecticut and the Rhode Island seashore, where she lives happily with her very patient husband, her brilliant and beloved daughter, and their two incredibly spoiled golden retrievers. Gabriel Gale is a science and history buff and a thrill-seeking adventurer, attributes that serve him well as a royal historian of Oz. He lives in the borough of Brooklyn, New York, where he tries to stay out of trouble-although he claims (like a certain noteworthy ancestor of his) to have been transported to the magical Land of Oz on several occasions. When he isn't fighting rogue Sorcerers, Wizards, and Witches, Gabe is a writer, an artist, an explorer, and above all, a relentless defender of the Good.

"An intricate world filled with excitement and magical creatures....A fast-paced series opener." * Kirkus Reviews * "This updated take on the "Land of Oz" stories will satisfy middle schoolers looking for an entertaining new fantasy series." * School Library Journal * "An extraordinary amalgam of unique, lavish story-telling, vivid comprehension of Baum's original genius, and heartfelt homage to the real and genuine Oz." -- John Fricke, Emmy-winner, author, and Oz historian "The transformational messages embedded in AGES OF OZ mirror the social justice themes that flow through the original Oz books written by L. Frank Baum... young readers receive encouragement to 'think for yourself' and through reason and courage, overcome the injustices of the world." -- Sally Roesch Wagner, Executive Director Matilda Joslyn Gage Foundation.