Ophie Out of Oz

Ophelia Peeler has always considered herself to be a Dorothy-type, a girl destined for a glamorous adventure . . . someday . . . somehow . . . somewhere. And her life in fun and sunny California seemed to have an Oz-like magic. She was in every play, sang "Over the Rainbow" to a packed school auditorium, and she had Lizzy, the best best friend ever.It's not a twister but just her dad's job transfer that has landed Ophie in Oregon-with no rainbow, no glamour, and no Lizzy. Instead, there's just this weird girl, this Brittany Borg, who seems to have stuck herself to Ophie (and who calls her "hey, Peeler").Why oh why can't life ever be like it is in the movies?Kathleen O'Dell offers a funny, empathic tribute to all kids who, in searching for their own Oz, have found the yellow brick road full of bumps, weirdness, and unexpected delights.

Kathleen O'Dell is is the author of Agnes Parker: Girl in Progress