Bewitched in Oz

Description

Even though sorcery is forbidden in Oz, Zerie Greenapple is determined to use her magic. When the Flying Monkeys find Zerie and her friends using magic, one of their gang is captured. Three friends go on the run through the wild landscapes of Oz to try and find Glinda the Good, who they hope will save them from the evil Princess Ozma. But will magic be enough to lead these three friends to safety? This exciting tale of adventure and fantasy will surround readers in a world of complexity, where the truth is always shifting and the integrity of friendship is constantly questioned.

Laura J. Burns writes books for kids and teens, touching on topics from imaginary lake monsters to out-of-control Hollywood starlets, and is the co-author of the Edgar Award-nominated WRIGHT & WONG mystery series. She has also written for the TV shows ROSWELL, 1-800-MISSING, and THE DEAD ZONE. Laura lives in New York with her husband, her kids, and her two exceptionally silly dogs.

A twist at the end sets up a sequel, and, of course, Oz name recognition will work in this book's favor.-- "Booklist Online" As a fan of THE WIZARD OF OZ I really enjoyed reading Burn's spin off of this magical place. The author cleverly draws parallels of three friends traveling together to fulfill a quest. Like the original characters, each of our new characters has a special talent and a specific request. Unlike the original, they don't have to hunt down the wicked witch. The cliffhanger ending piqued my interest --- when will the next book come out?-- "Kids Reads/The Book Report" Burns' introduction of a pair of sweethearts, one a Flutterbudget and the other a Rigmarole, is a real treat, and her sense of geography is as goofily arbitrary as Baum's.-- "Kirkus Reviews" Fans of Frank L. Baum's Wizard of Oz will take delight in the Winged Monkeys, Glinda the Good, and the Glass Cat, all of whom make appearances throughout the narrative. This story has some interesting twists and turns, and characters are well developed.-- "School Library Journal" If teen readers are turned off by all the heavy and dark reads populating the young adult shelves these days, this book will provide a light and playful antidote to their woes. The book is a pretty breezy read, much shorter than your average fantasy tale, and the cliffhanger ending strongly suggests there will be a sequel.-- "VOYA"