What do you think?
Rate this book
Fractured: Dereck Dillinger and the Shortcut to Oz
Dereck, is a normal thirteen-year-old boy who has agreed to take care of his five-year-old sister, Jessie, while their mother is away overnight. As the big brother, he intends to keep his sister safe, taking on the role of their dad who died in a car accident the year before.
Derek loves his sister, but her constant need of his attention is starting to get on his nerves. However his mom is always reminding him to spend time with his little sister. The only thing Jessie wants Dereck to do is read fairy tales to her, though he would prefer they do anything else like shoot bottle rockets or throw a baseball around.
When Jessie takes a nap, a violent storm moves in, causing Dereck to stumble down the steps to the cellar of their home. When Jessie screams out for help, Dereck imagines a tree crashing through her window, trapping his sister in her room. Trying to run to his sister's rescue, he falls through the cellar floor and wakes up in Oz - an Oz filled with all the fairy-tale characters Jessie loves (and he hates) so much.
Right away Dereck meets a farmer and his wife who live on the far side of a cornfield that grows beside the yellow road that weaves itself through Oz. The couple is waiting on the Dorothy girl from Kansas to pass by so they can make a deal with her. If she helps them catch a pesky man-sized crow, they will give her a secret map that shows a shortcut to the Emerald City.
But when Miss Glinda warns the farm girl not to take the shortcut, Dereck, with the help of the six-foot crow, decides to 'borrow' the map without the farmer's knowledge so that Dereck can rush to the Wizard as quickly as possible so the great Oz might send him back to his sister who, he knew, was yelling for him to help her. Dereck meets Miss Glinda's personal assistant who has dressed herself like the good witch and calls herself Glindalina.
Right before his eyes, the Wicked Witch of the West talks the assistant into becoming her evil assistant so she can help her make sure Dorothy will get the shortcut map, take the shortcut, and die so the green witch can get her hands on the silver slippers she wants from the farm girl so badly.
Miss Glinda is livid and scares the wicked witch away so that she won't be able to give Dorothy the shortcut map. With the help of Crow, Dereck sneaks the map from Miss Glinda, and takes off down the yellow road where he battles a giant, a wolf, an ogre and somehow loses the yellow road, winding up in the middle of a thick forest where he runs into a little girl who wears a red cloak.
The girl introduces him to her grandmother who brings out an old photograph of a young man who favors Dereck a good deal. But how could that be? Within the short visit, the old lady finds out about Dereck planning to take the shortcut and gives him a safety charm since she heard that the shortcut between the yellow road and the Emerald City is a very dangerous path.
Dereck makes it to the shortcut path, finding a beautiful lady who quickly morphs into an ugly hag and tells Dereck he must die so that she and the other creatures kept captive there will be freed at last. Dereck remembers bottle rockets in his backpack and uses them to destroy the creature and catch the surrounding forest on fire. Miss Glinda calls for a dragon to take Dereck home then and there.
When Dereck arrives back to his house, he finds Jessie hiding in her bedroom closet as the storm outside has started to move away. A few days later, Dereck notices in the artwork of Jessie's fairy tale books, small things in the background like he had seen on his journey but were never mentioned in the age-old stories. He discovers the artist is from his own hometown and looks up the artist's picture, realizing he looks very familiar and suddenly remembers the old photograph that Red's grandma had shown him.
That was the artist who had looked like him. But how could that be? Had the artist been to the same place? Dereck may never know.
Derek loves his sister, but her constant need of his attention is starting to get on his nerves. However his mom is always reminding him to spend time with his little sister. The only thing Jessie wants Dereck to do is read fairy tales to her, though he would prefer they do anything else like shoot bottle rockets or throw a baseball around.
When Jessie takes a nap, a violent storm moves in, causing Dereck to stumble down the steps to the cellar of their home. When Jessie screams out for help, Dereck imagines a tree crashing through her window, trapping his sister in her room. Trying to run to his sister's rescue, he falls through the cellar floor and wakes up in Oz - an Oz filled with all the fairy-tale characters Jessie loves (and he hates) so much.
Right away Dereck meets a farmer and his wife who live on the far side of a cornfield that grows beside the yellow road that weaves itself through Oz. The couple is waiting on the Dorothy girl from Kansas to pass by so they can make a deal with her. If she helps them catch a pesky man-sized crow, they will give her a secret map that shows a shortcut to the Emerald City.
But when Miss Glinda warns the farm girl not to take the shortcut, Dereck, with the help of the six-foot crow, decides to 'borrow' the map without the farmer's knowledge so that Dereck can rush to the Wizard as quickly as possible so the great Oz might send him back to his sister who, he knew, was yelling for him to help her. Dereck meets Miss Glinda's personal assistant who has dressed herself like the good witch and calls herself Glindalina.
Right before his eyes, the Wicked Witch of the West talks the assistant into becoming her evil assistant so she can help her make sure Dorothy will get the shortcut map, take the shortcut, and die so the green witch can get her hands on the silver slippers she wants from the farm girl so badly.
Miss Glinda is livid and scares the wicked witch away so that she won't be able to give Dorothy the shortcut map. With the help of Crow, Dereck sneaks the map from Miss Glinda, and takes off down the yellow road where he battles a giant, a wolf, an ogre and somehow loses the yellow road, winding up in the middle of a thick forest where he runs into a little girl who wears a red cloak.
The girl introduces him to her grandmother who brings out an old photograph of a young man who favors Dereck a good deal. But how could that be? Within the short visit, the old lady finds out about Dereck planning to take the shortcut and gives him a safety charm since she heard that the shortcut between the yellow road and the Emerald City is a very dangerous path.
Dereck makes it to the shortcut path, finding a beautiful lady who quickly morphs into an ugly hag and tells Dereck he must die so that she and the other creatures kept captive there will be freed at last. Dereck remembers bottle rockets in his backpack and uses them to destroy the creature and catch the surrounding forest on fire. Miss Glinda calls for a dragon to take Dereck home then and there.
When Dereck arrives back to his house, he finds Jessie hiding in her bedroom closet as the storm outside has started to move away. A few days later, Dereck notices in the artwork of Jessie's fairy tale books, small things in the background like he had seen on his journey but were never mentioned in the age-old stories. He discovers the artist is from his own hometown and looks up the artist's picture, realizing he looks very familiar and suddenly remembers the old photograph that Red's grandma had shown him.
That was the artist who had looked like him. But how could that be? Had the artist been to the same place? Dereck may never know.
130 pages, Paperback
Published June 8, 2017
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Eddie McPherson
5 books1 followerEddie McPherson is a best-selling playwright with over 75 plays published in the educational and children's theatre markets. Some of his most popular works include Virgil's Wedding, Writing a Will Can be Murder, Once Upon a Tower and The Entire American Revolution (in 40 Minutes or Less). Dereck Dillinger and the Crystal Ball is his second book for children in the Fractured series, following Dereck Dillinger and the Shortcut to Oz.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 15, 2017
Oh, what a beautiful gem of a book! I have always loved fairy tales since childhood and to have it admixed with the present time, the end result is an amazing adventure.
The story is simple; during a storm, Derrick in a rush to get to his sister Jessie, falls through the mysterious hole in the cellar and finds himself surrounded by all the characters of the fairy tale. Some help him, and some don't. But it is a roller coaster ride all the same to get back to his sister.
The author Eddie McPherson has done a wonderful job with this book which can be read by both kids and adults. It leaves you with an awe, there are moments of bated breath, all memories of childhood come rushing back, and its like greeting old friends on a new adventurous journey.
The author writes well and with precision. Every sentence in the book adds to the story, there is never a dull moment. The friendship between Derrick and Mr. Crow was very heartwarming.
I especially liked how the author has weaved all the fairy tale characters into a single story, making them appear at the appropriate time, there is never a jarring note in the prose. This is a magical world filled with dragons, ogres, and giants. And how can we forget the witches as in any fairy tale.
All the bookish characters are infused with human nature, some are good some are bad, some are flimsy, some are loyal, some annoy you, some make you laugh, some are wicked and some have a heart of gold. The story is fluid, the characters are well developed, inspite of this being a children's book, there is something in it for each one of us.
Join Derrick on his amazing journey to the Oz to get back to his sister and I bet you would be left wanting for more...
I was and I still am. Waiting eagerly for the next in the series... Are you listening, Mr. Eddie McPherson???
The story is simple; during a storm, Derrick in a rush to get to his sister Jessie, falls through the mysterious hole in the cellar and finds himself surrounded by all the characters of the fairy tale. Some help him, and some don't. But it is a roller coaster ride all the same to get back to his sister.
The author Eddie McPherson has done a wonderful job with this book which can be read by both kids and adults. It leaves you with an awe, there are moments of bated breath, all memories of childhood come rushing back, and its like greeting old friends on a new adventurous journey.
The author writes well and with precision. Every sentence in the book adds to the story, there is never a dull moment. The friendship between Derrick and Mr. Crow was very heartwarming.
I especially liked how the author has weaved all the fairy tale characters into a single story, making them appear at the appropriate time, there is never a jarring note in the prose. This is a magical world filled with dragons, ogres, and giants. And how can we forget the witches as in any fairy tale.
All the bookish characters are infused with human nature, some are good some are bad, some are flimsy, some are loyal, some annoy you, some make you laugh, some are wicked and some have a heart of gold. The story is fluid, the characters are well developed, inspite of this being a children's book, there is something in it for each one of us.
Join Derrick on his amazing journey to the Oz to get back to his sister and I bet you would be left wanting for more...
I was and I still am. Waiting eagerly for the next in the series... Are you listening, Mr. Eddie McPherson???
July 13, 2017
Fairytale dreams so come true . . .
Thirteen-year-old Dereck Dillinger is the man of the house. Since his death of his Father, he has looked out for his Mother and five-year-old sister Jessie. When their Mother has to go out-of-town, he assures her that he will look out for her; he knows to keep her entertained he just needs to plan on reading her a bedtime story.
A sudden storm appears and Dereck finds himself spiraling below to the cellar steps. As he makes a downward plunge to the bottom he fears for his sister’s life. Dereck prepares himself the best he can for the impact, but the destination never comes for he finds himself waking in the mysterious land of Oz.
At Oz, he meets some of his Sisters beloved book characters. This magical world is one that he never anticipated visiting, but he knows that he must make it home to his family. Will Dereck travel the yellow brick road and find the pathway to his homeland? Or will he find his life is in danger as the Wicked Witch threatens his existence?
FRACTURED: DERECK DILLINGER AND THE SHORTCUT TO OZ has all the elements that I absolutely love in a novel. Being a huge fan of The Wizard of Oz, and having seen the Broadway show Wicked four times I can fully appreciate the overall theme of this book. This book deserves a place to stand beside these beloved Oz offerings.
I found Eddie McPherson’s book is a fresh breath of air with having used the theme of a beloved childhood story and weaving it into a way that puts a fresh new spin on the tale! This book rates high on my keeper's shelf. As I read the first chapter, I felt as though as I was a kid at Christmas as I had a unique experience to revisit one of my favorite fairy tales. To say that this book impressed me is an understatement. After I finished reading this book I knew that the name Eddie McPherson was one that I was going to keep on my reading radar.
Thirteen-year-old Dereck Dillinger is the man of the house. Since his death of his Father, he has looked out for his Mother and five-year-old sister Jessie. When their Mother has to go out-of-town, he assures her that he will look out for her; he knows to keep her entertained he just needs to plan on reading her a bedtime story.
A sudden storm appears and Dereck finds himself spiraling below to the cellar steps. As he makes a downward plunge to the bottom he fears for his sister’s life. Dereck prepares himself the best he can for the impact, but the destination never comes for he finds himself waking in the mysterious land of Oz.
At Oz, he meets some of his Sisters beloved book characters. This magical world is one that he never anticipated visiting, but he knows that he must make it home to his family. Will Dereck travel the yellow brick road and find the pathway to his homeland? Or will he find his life is in danger as the Wicked Witch threatens his existence?
FRACTURED: DERECK DILLINGER AND THE SHORTCUT TO OZ has all the elements that I absolutely love in a novel. Being a huge fan of The Wizard of Oz, and having seen the Broadway show Wicked four times I can fully appreciate the overall theme of this book. This book deserves a place to stand beside these beloved Oz offerings.
I found Eddie McPherson’s book is a fresh breath of air with having used the theme of a beloved childhood story and weaving it into a way that puts a fresh new spin on the tale! This book rates high on my keeper's shelf. As I read the first chapter, I felt as though as I was a kid at Christmas as I had a unique experience to revisit one of my favorite fairy tales. To say that this book impressed me is an understatement. After I finished reading this book I knew that the name Eddie McPherson was one that I was going to keep on my reading radar.
May 29, 2019
Dereck Dillinger is a 13 year old boy tasked with watching his younger sister while his mom is away for the evening. A fierce storm rolls in, causing the power to go out. During this time Dereck falls down the cellar stairs and is sucked into a hole, waking up in Oz. This is where Dereck’s adventure begins, as he attempts to find his way back home to his little sister Jessie.
There is much in this book that is familiar. Having grown up watching the Wizard of Oz there is definitely a been there, done that vibe to this book. The author does add a new spin to the story and introduces other fairy tale characters such as Hasel and Gretel and Little Red Riding Hood into the mix.
The writing is sharp and keeps you engaged. Lots of twists and turns and hold your breath moments. I feel that the story will appeal to both older and younger children. I can see parents of younger children enjoying sharing in Dereck’s adventures with their child. There are giants and dragons and fairies and witches, appealing to both boys and girls.
I really like the positive messages in this story of perseverance, family and friendship. Dereck is smart, resourceful, level-headed and kind. I would definitely recommend this book. 3.5 stars
There is much in this book that is familiar. Having grown up watching the Wizard of Oz there is definitely a been there, done that vibe to this book. The author does add a new spin to the story and introduces other fairy tale characters such as Hasel and Gretel and Little Red Riding Hood into the mix.
The writing is sharp and keeps you engaged. Lots of twists and turns and hold your breath moments. I feel that the story will appeal to both older and younger children. I can see parents of younger children enjoying sharing in Dereck’s adventures with their child. There are giants and dragons and fairies and witches, appealing to both boys and girls.
I really like the positive messages in this story of perseverance, family and friendship. Dereck is smart, resourceful, level-headed and kind. I would definitely recommend this book. 3.5 stars
March 17, 2019
Fractured: Dereck Dillinger and the Shortcut to Oz is the second book by Eddie Mc Pherson I have read featuring Dereck Dillinger and his little sister, Jessie. I thought the Crystal Ball was superb and I hoped this would be as well done as that, avoiding the dreaded formula factory that series following the same characters sometimes can get swallowed up in. I needn't have worried. This time Jessie and Dereck are home alone when a storm moves in leaving them separated in the house. Dereck again finds himself in a warped world; Oz this time, though an Oz inhabited by the fairy tale characters Jessie loves. There is a lot of adventure, humor, magic, and heart along the way to get back to save his little sister.
Shortcut to Oz is an uplifting, bright story for younger readers up to teenagers. Lessons are taught through positives rather than the doom and gloom some authors use to create the same message and I think that is important. I hope Mr. Mc Pherson intends to write more Dereck Dillinger books.
Shortcut to Oz is an uplifting, bright story for younger readers up to teenagers. Lessons are taught through positives rather than the doom and gloom some authors use to create the same message and I think that is important. I hope Mr. Mc Pherson intends to write more Dereck Dillinger books.
March 25, 2019
Absolutely Captivating.
This is a cute read that I think would appeal to several age groups. It’s an appealing mix of fairytales and young adult skeptics. Dereck is tasked with watching his baby sister and ends up in the cellar of true house. He falls through a hole in he floor and finds himself smack in the middle of a classic fairytale. The story follows Dereck as he tries to get back home to his little sister. I’d kind of like to see more books like this. I think Derek could have many adventures as his curiosity gets the best of him and he explores his old cellar more. This would be a fantastic series that kids young and old would appreciate and gravitate to. The characters are well written and the storyline was captivating. There’s not much more I could ask for in a great youth read!
This is a cute read that I think would appeal to several age groups. It’s an appealing mix of fairytales and young adult skeptics. Dereck is tasked with watching his baby sister and ends up in the cellar of true house. He falls through a hole in he floor and finds himself smack in the middle of a classic fairytale. The story follows Dereck as he tries to get back home to his little sister. I’d kind of like to see more books like this. I think Derek could have many adventures as his curiosity gets the best of him and he explores his old cellar more. This would be a fantastic series that kids young and old would appreciate and gravitate to. The characters are well written and the storyline was captivating. There’s not much more I could ask for in a great youth read!
June 6, 2019
🌀 Incredible adventures in babysitting! Fun, fast, filled with fantastic creatures 😃
May 31, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍🌀👫👍
An action-packed adventure, best targeted for a pre-teen age group, where fairy tales jumble together and the intrepid traveler through Oz is a boy trying to reunite with the younger sister he has been tasked to babysit overnight. Fast paced and imaginative, incorporating some new fantasy characters, like a friendly and helpful six foot tall crow and a witch apprentice, it made me want to go back to re-read, like Dereck, the original Frank Baum classic and Grimm brothers fairytales. I also loved the twist at the end related to little sister Jessie and her newest obsession!😊,
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 31, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition
👍🌀👫👍
An action-packed adventure, best targeted for a pre-teen age group, where fairy tales jumble together and the intrepid traveler through Oz is a boy trying to reunite with the younger sister he has been tasked to babysit overnight. Fast paced and imaginative, incorporating some new fantasy characters, like a friendly and helpful six foot tall crow and a witch apprentice, it made me want to go back to re-read, like Dereck, the original Frank Baum classic and Grimm brothers fairytales. I also loved the twist at the end related to little sister Jessie and her newest obsession!😊,
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 16, 2019
Nice book
The idea of a new character delve into the world of old fairytales is such a cool spin on things. Read this with a 9 year old and she was captivated by what would happen to Dereck next. This story is a different perspective on classic fairytales by a boy who falls into another world through his cellar floor. Really cool and of course the beautiful pictures found at the beginning of the chapters were an added special bonus!
The idea of a new character delve into the world of old fairytales is such a cool spin on things. Read this with a 9 year old and she was captivated by what would happen to Dereck next. This story is a different perspective on classic fairytales by a boy who falls into another world through his cellar floor. Really cool and of course the beautiful pictures found at the beginning of the chapters were an added special bonus!
June 3, 2017
This book is an excellent children's story about a boy who takes an unexpected journey into his little sister's fairytale books and encounters several beloved characters. In this light-hearted read, the author shows the importance of family bonds and perseverance through difficult times. I strongly recommend it for anyone who loves reading fairytales reimagined.
June 3, 2019
I received this story through hidden gems books for an honest review. I loved the book. It's based on the Wizard of Oz but includes many other fairytale characters as well as being set partly in the modern world. It is a fairytale that is appropriate for all ages. I will be watching for more books by this author.
June 10, 2019
This is a children's story, but I absolutely loved it. A mixup of lots of different fairytales plus the Wizard of Oz, it is at times funny, a little scary, full of adventure and twists and turns, with friendship and love (but not the sloppy romance kind!) at its heart. A beautiful story that I highly recommend to all fairytale lovers, even grownups!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews