Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? And what is the true nature of evil? Gregory Maguire creates a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again. Wicked is about a land where animals talk and strive to be treated like first-class citizens, Munchkinlanders seek the comfort of middle-class stability and the Tin Man becomes a victim of domestic violence. And then there is the little green-skinned girl named Elphaba, who will grow up to be the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, a smart, prickly and misunderstood creature who challenges all our preconceived notions about the nature of good and evil.
Is Wicked appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
This adult reimagining of the Wizard of Oz contains mature themes including domestic violence, political oppression, discrimination, and moral ambiguity. The narrative explores complex adult relationships and features darker content than traditional YA fantasy.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, moderate sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include domestic violence, animal harm, and class struggle (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens fascinated by villains' backstories and philosophical questions about good and evil will find this reimagining of the Wicked Witch compelling.