Overview
After losing her mother to tuberculosis, 13-year-old Gretta Anderson longs for more than housework and a future in the local mill. She dreams of high school, college-even becoming a reporter like her hero, Nellie Bly. But with a shy streak and a father who expects her to follow the path of ""all the other girls,"" those dreams feel far out of reach. Then, in the early hours of May 24, 1911, a train carrying the famous ""Two Bills Show"" derails outside Gretta's village-sending wild animals into the streets. Gretta leaps into action, facing down a giant python, a wayward elephant, and her own fears to help restore order. In the chaos, she discovers courage she didn't know she had-and a story worth telling. Set in a time of social change, daring dreams, and traveling Wild West shows, DERAILED is a heartfelt tale of grit, friendship, and finding your voice when it matters most. This fictional story was inspired by the true story of the derailment of ""The Two Bills"" (Buffalo Bill and Pawnee Bill) train on the Stony Brook Rail Line between Westford and West Chelmsford, MA on May 24, 1911.
Full Product Details
Author: Kathryn T Cryan-Hicks
Publisher: School Street Publishing
Imprint: School Street Publishing
Dimensions:
Width: 15.20cm
, Height: 0.60cm
, Length: 22.90cm
Weight: 0.154kg
ISBN: 9798998798009
Pages: 108
Publication Date: 31 July 2025
Recommended Age: From 8 to 12 years
Audience:
Children/juvenile
,
Children / Juvenile
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Available To Order
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Reviews
"" ... The protagonist is relatable and easy to root for-though she's young, readers of all ages can find something important to take away from her story. A tender and charming tale about finding your courage in times of social change."" -Kirkus Review ""Based on the true incident of a circus train derailment involving Buffalo Bill Cody, this tender coming-of-age story describes life in a small town in the early 1900s. When circus animals escape and workers are injured, a young girl's heroic action saves lives and changes her future. Told in a way that warmed my heart and delighted me, I love, love, love this story!"" -Maureen Foley, Retired Children's Librarian, MA
""Based on the true incident of a circus train derailment involving Buffalo Bill Cody, this tender coming-of-age story describes life in a small town in the early 1900s. When circus animals escape and workers are injured, a young girl's heroic action saves lives and changes her future. Told in a way that warmed my heart and delighted me, I love, love, love this story!"" Maureen Foley, Children's Librarian
Author Information
Kathryn Cryan-Hicks is a graduate of Emerson College with grad courses at UMass Amherst and Boston University. She worked at the Chelmsford Public Library for over 25 years. She enjoys writing and painting. She lives in Chelmsford, MA. Her website is www.KathrynCryanHicks.com
