For children captivated by grand adventures and moral dilemmas, this tale explores a charming magician's journey to find courage and lead a magical land.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is grappling with self-doubt or the feeling of being an imposter. This story, a prequel to the classic Wizard of Oz, follows Oscar Diggs, a deceptive stage magician who finds himself in a magical land where everyone expects him to be a great and powerful wizard. To save the people of Oz from warring witches, Oscar must learn to rely on his cleverness and find the courage to be the good leader they need, even if he's not the magical hero they expected. It explores complex themes of honesty, finding your inner strength, and the nuanced nature of good and evil, making it a great choice for children ready to see that heroes can be flawed and that true greatness comes from goodness, not just power.
Features fantasy violence and magical battles, but without gore or graphic injury.
Moral AmbiguityModerate
The hero is a con man who lies for much of the story, and a villain's origin is tragic.
Sad ThemesMild
A central character's transformation to evil is driven by a painful betrayal and heartbreak.
Sensitive Topics
The story's central conflict is good versus evil, but it's handled with more complexity than a simple binary. Theodora's transformation into the Wicked Witch is metaphorical, a result of heartbreak and manipulation, which introduces a tragic element. The resolution is hopeful, with Oz becoming a leader, but it acknowledges that evil (in the form of the witches) is not vanquished, setting the stage for the original Oz story. The approach is secular and fantastical.
Ideal Reader
This is for an 8 to 11-year-old who loves fantasy but is ready for morally complex characters. It's perfect for a child who struggles with imposter syndrome, or feels like they are 'faking it' in a certain area of their life, and needs to see that worth isn't about innate talent but about effort and character.
Parent Prep
Parents should be ready to discuss deception. Oz lies consistently, but ultimately uses his talent for illusion for a good cause. This nuance is worth exploring. A preview of the flying baboon attacks and Theodora's frightening transformation into the green-skinned witch might be wise for more sensitive children. A parent has heard their child express feelings of inadequacy, saying things like, "Everyone thinks I'm smart, but I'm not," or "I'm afraid they'll find out I'm not really good at this." The child is worried about living up to the expectations of others.
Age Experience
A younger reader (7-8) will likely focus on the spectacle: the colorful world, the talking monkey, and the exciting magical battles. An older reader (10-12) will better appreciate the internal conflict of the protagonist, the tragic backstory of the Wicked Witch, and the central theme that leadership is about inspiring people, not possessing inherent power.
What Makes It Special
Unlike most fantasy tales with a 'chosen one' hero, the protagonist here has no special powers at all. His strength is his ingenuity and his character arc. The story uniquely tackles imposter syndrome within a high-fantasy context, making it a powerful allegory for finding self-worth through action and integrity rather than inherent ability.
Read plot summary
A small-time, selfish circus magician, Oscar "Oz" Diggs, is transported to the vibrant Land of Oz. He is immediately mistaken for a powerful wizard prophesied to save the kingdom. Lured by the promise of riches and glory, he plays along. Oz becomes entangled in a power struggle between three witches: the manipulative Evanora, the naive Theodora, and the benevolent Glinda. To defeat the true evil and save the people, Oz must use his skills of illusion and stagecraft, ultimately learning to be a good man even if he isn't a great wizard.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Oz is not a real wizard, but he uses his stage magic and tricks to save the people. Does this make him a true hero? Why or why not?
2
Theodora becomes the Wicked Witch of the West after her sister Evanora lies to her and breaks her heart. Does being hurt give someone a reason to be cruel to others? Do you feel sorry for her?
3
At the end of the story, Oz tells his friends he might not be the great and powerful wizard they wanted, but he can be the good man they need. What do you think is the difference between being 'great' and being 'good'?
4
Glinda knew Oz was not a real wizard, but she still believed in his ability to help. Why do you think she gave him a chance when others might not have?
