Welcome to School Street Publishing
Explore Local Voices
& Local Stories
"Derailed"
by Kathryn Cryan-Hicks
Buy locally (No wait/no postage) at:
LaLa Books, 189 Market St., Lowell
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Summer Street Grocers, 7 Summer Street, Chelmsford
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Picture Yourself! Custom Framing & Gallery, 17 Central Square, Chelmsford
Purchase on Amazon or through your favorite bookstore.
AMAZON
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You can also purchase "Derailed" here on this website (click on "Shop" at top of page)
About "Derailed"
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"Derailed" is a middle grade historical fiction story inspired by a real incident that occurred in Westford and West Chelmsford, MA in May 1911.
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THE FACT:
On May 24, 1911, a train carrying the Buffalo Bill and Pawnee Bill Lillie Show (AKA "The Two Bills Show") derailed on the Stony Brook RR line in the middle of the night as it made its way to Lowell, MA. People were injured and animals escaped and had to be rounded up.
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THE FICTION:
Thirteen year old Gretta Anderson has a dream that she will attend high school, go onto college and become a newspaper reporter. She must convince her father to let her pursue her plans even though he thinks she should work at the local mill. Set during a time of social change, immigration, and the golden age of Wild West Shows, "Derailed" captures Gretta's journey of courage and self-discovery.​​​
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Teachers: Check the "Resources for Teachers" webpage for classroom activities.