The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Title: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Author: Lyman Frank Baum

Illustrator: W.W. Denslow

Publisher: George M. Hill Company

Publication Date: 1900

Genre: Fantasy

Audience: Gr. 6-8 (Young Adult)

Overview: This chapter book tells the well known story of Dorothy Gale. After she and her dog, Toto, are caught in a cyclone, they land themselves in a strange yet wonderful world called Oz. Upon their arrival, their house lands on the Wicked Witch of the East, killing her and freeing Munchkin Land. After a run in with the dreaded Wicked Witch of the West, Glinda the Good comes to her rescue and tells her to go to the Emerald City to ask the legendary Wizard of Oz to help her get home. Along the way, Dorothy and Toto meet up with a lovable Scarecrow, the sweet Tin Woodsman, and the not so ferocious Cowardly Lion, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

Activity: There are several writing related activities that can be done with a story like this. For instance, a teacher could have his or her students write what they think Oz looks like or what they think each of the main characters look like (Dorothy, Toto, Glinda, The Wicked Witch of the West, Scarecrow, Tin Woodsman, Cowardly Lion, and all the different personas of the infamous Wizard of Oz). The teacher could also work with an art teacher to create a "What do you think Oz would look like" art project using different drawing techniques or different mediums.

Reviewer’s Name: Alexi Lemper