Manga Classics: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Gr 3-7–Before it was a movie, Baum’s novel was an adventure-filled children’s novel, and this manga adaptation returns to those roots. Those who are familiar only with the 1939 film and the musical Wicked are in for some surprises. The characters do resemble their movie counterparts, but in their travels along the Yellow Brick Road and beyond, they face one peril after another: a deep abyss, a raging river, wild animals, and of course, the poppy field. Each time, they resolve obstacles by working together and playing to each other’s strengths, often in entertaining ways. This version moves fast, keeping readers engaged. The brightly- ­colored art is polished, with big-eyed, round-headed character designs that are common in middle grade manhwa. ­Because it is ­Korean, not ­Japanese, this book reads left to right. There are a few scenes where violence is discussed or implied. ­