The book wicked by gregory maguire is a very difficult book to read. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. There is a large amount of politics and discussions about the true nature of good and evil throughout the book. The age range reflects readability and not necessarily content appropriateness. Is the musical wicked appropriate for a 7 and 9 year old. Elphaba from the very childhood was a rogue child, being born with green skin color, as her mother had used the green elixir. Jul 30, 2015 but it was scholastic books who actually published the series. Find discounted wicked musical theatre tickets with theatre bookings. Second, wicked is the best fantasy novel of ideas ive read since mervyn. If your child is enchanted by the spectacle, be sure to also book tickets to the behind the scenes wicked tour, where you can learn all about the shows secrets. Based on the novel wicked by gregory maguire, wicked retells the story of the wizard of oz from the viewpoint of the wicked witch of the west. The truth is that it is not appropriate for a ten year old. The style, the politics, the animalhuman sex, the violence, there is no way that it could be appropriate for a ten year old. These books make elegant additions to any home library.
Wicked s story is based off gregory maguires book titled wicked. The life and times of the wicked witch of the west summary. The wicked years is a series of novels by gregory maguire that present a revisionist take on l. Wicked, told from the perspective of elphaba thropp, the wicked witch of the west, gives the wildly entertaining prehistory of the emerald city of oz before the arrival of dorothy, the scarecrow, the cowardly lion, and the tin woodsman. If you are the publisher or author of this book and feel that the. Its probably helpful if the child knows the story ahead of time. Is wicked the book appropriate for children answers. Right now i will be analyzing how the book, wicked. This teen fantasy book is the first in the wicked lovely series by melissa marr and is published by harperteen, a division of harpercollins. Frank baums the wonderful wizard of oz, its 1939 film adaptation, and related books. The life and times of the wicked witch of the west is a novel published in 1995, written by gregory maguire and illustrated by douglas smith. A popup compendium of splendiferous delight and thrillifying intrigue this pop up book is visually stunning and makes a good memento of the show experience.
To understand the wicked witchs detrioration in the end one also has to take into account the fact that the maguires novel is a retelling of the story of what transpired in oz from the perspective of the wicked witch. Wicked is very dark and has lots of sexual content. How to pick an ageappropriate broadway show for your kid. They used to be friends, and the memories of their life story in shiz university started. But the musical of the same name thats based on maguires novel is acceptable for young readers and young viewers. Unlike the musical, wicked the book isnt really about popularity or defying gravity. A place for discussion about the broadway musical, wicked. The book is dark and weird and very inappropriate for kids. Long before dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emeraldgreen skinsmart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. It has some content that is not proper for junior high level reading or younger. I would again warn parents that wicked is not a childs tale. Wicked is a creative, enveloping and dark story that mature readers and deep thinkers alike will find as tantalizing as a gourmet feast for hungry imaginations. Life and times of the wicked witch of the west wicked.
Wicked atlanta tickets wicked atlanta tickets the wicked broadway production opened in 2003 and is now among the longestrunning broadway shows in history. On the other hand, these books do offer a disclaimer saying that they are appropriate for children ages 9 and up. Wicked, the broadway musical, is a spectacular and colorful yet at the same time dark show that will amaze and mesmerize you for two and a half hours. I was wanting her to read the novel first but ive been hearing the novel is a. When dorothy triumphed over the wicked witch of the west in l. The beginning has sexual content, and some of the plot could be scary for a younger. It is more a story of how 2 girls who are completely different form a strong friendship. However, one of broadways most successful shows, wicked, has proven not only to be entertaining for adults, but both appropriate and exciting for kids and teens as well. The main character is, of course, the wicked witch, elphaba. Elphaba, the wicked witch of the west, was painfully misunderstood and rejected by the color of her skin, as well as her unconventional manners rather than actually wicked. Earlier, the book still in press, he said it was broiled in hellfire. Mar 03, 2007 i would say wicked should not be read by anyone younger than a maturity age of 16. Wicked theatre tickets cheap wicked tickets theatre. The same people who brought you clifford the big red dog and arthur the aardvark decided that scary stories could sit on the same shelf at your childs book fair.
Maybe its my odd fear of carnivals, maybe its just the spooky atmosphere, but both the book and the movie freaked me out as a kid. The life and times of the wicked witch of the west, not only revives her but reenvisions and redeems her for our times. Common sense is the nations leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and. A strange house drops from the sky, killing nessarose, now referred to as the wicked witch of the east. Gregory maguires shrewdly imagined and beautifully written first novel, wicked.
Each time elphaba uses books to try to defeat the wizard, she ultimately fails. Maguire has written four books in the wicked series. In a nutshell, it is the life story of elphalba, the wicked witch of the west. Once upon a time in the faroff land of oz, a green girl named elphaba thropp is born to a unionist minister named frex and his desperate housewivesesque wife melena in munchkinland. The basis for the smash hit tony awardwinning broadway musical, gregory maguires breathtaking new york times bestseller wicked views the land of oz, its inhabitants, its wizard, and the emerald city, through a darker and greener not rosier. Wicked the musical is back in town and is definitely one that the. She and i are both obsessed with the musical wicked, so i bought her all. The wicked musical has been praised for its gravitydefying scenes, along with spectacular costumes, which are sure to enthrall audiences of all ages. It could have really delved into the character of darth vader, or rather anakin skywalker and truly made. Wicked is not a childrens show, as in for preschool kids. Wicked by gregory maguire is a wonderfully creepy, magical and sometimes disturbing book, perfect for your fall reading list. Set preferences and get age appropriate recommendations with common sense media plus.
This book bears almost no resemblance to the musical. Frank baums the wonderful wizard of oz and go through all 14 in baums oz series. Wicked the broadway play fodors travel talk forums. Now a beloved classic, wicked is the basis for a blockbuster tony awardwinning broadway musical. Wicked synopsis broadway musical good witch glinda of oz country reported that the wicked witch elphaba is dead. The basis for the smash hit tony awardwinning broadway musical, gregory maguires breathtaking new york. The life and times of the wicked witch of the west, which itself was a reimagining of the classic book and movie called the wizard of oz. Wicked for kids the musical is a favorite of preteens, teens, and wizard of oz fans of all ages. Through her unlikely friendship with the popular witch galinda and the tutelage sorceress madame morrible, elphaba comes to the attention of the wizard of oz. Feb 15, 2009 wicked is very dark and has lots of sexual content. It requires context and understanding that adult readers will bring. This is a very different and cynical look at oz as is seen in the books by l. Born with green skin and a rare talent for magic, she is a social outcast.
It also explores the question the nature of good and evil. Elphaba spends the bulk of her adult life in the company of books, which represent the power of knowledge and understanding and the potential to topple a despotbut only the potential. Young people about the age of 10 and older are going wild for it. This book has inspired sequels and an upcoming movie. Unlike the originals, these books are not intended for. Life and times of the wicked witch of the west wicked years book 1 kindle edition by maguire, gregory. Maguire creates a wicked witch we can empathize with and relate to while providing commentary on the role religion, racial inequality and suppression play in fueling evil. Wicked s official recommended minimum age is 8, which makes sense because the show runs nearly three hours and has a few scary moments.
Wicked the life and times of the wicked witch of the west by gregory maguire. Wish i wouldve taken my 2 and 3 year old they would have loved it. Gregory maguire is the new york times bestselling author of confessions of an ugly stepsister. Wicked the musical broadway and tours by stephen schwartz. Jan 31, 2011 unless the year old in question is incredibly mature, no, wicked is not appropriate. There are parts in the book that are inappropriate for kids, yes. The life and times of the wicked witch of the west. In fact, its popular with the younger audiences of 10 years old and above. Jan 08, 2016 wicked horror shares 10 horrifying kids books that might not be appropriate for children. While reading any book, i look forward to the cantwaittogetbacktomy book feeling, but i never got that with wicked.
If the reason the year old in question wants to read the book is. Gregory maguires novel wicked colors in the background and provides a sensational history for many of the characters in baums classic 1900 novel the wonderful wizard of oz. I will admit that there were moments of interest but that had more to do with oh, wonder whats going to happen next and i found myself flipping ahead. The story is very different than the musical adaptation of it, as the book is much darker and. Is the book wicked inappropriate for a ten year old.
However, one of broadways most successful shows, wicked, has proven not only to be entertaining for adults, but both appropriate and exciting for kids and teens as. Wicked atlanta tickets wicked atlanta tour stubhub. You have to remember that when people turn books into movies or musicals, they change a lot of things to make it appeal to a wider audience, so what you saw in the theater is not what youre going to read in the book. Wicked the life and times of the wicked witch of the west. Check availability for the show at the apollo victoria theatre and book online here. Shortly after his american classic was published in 1851, herman melville 18191891 confessed to his friend nathaniel hawthorne.
Years later, during the fated tornado of the original story, dorothy gales house falls on nessarose, now called the wicked witch of the east, due to her strict rule of munchkinland. Beautifully designed, this volume makes the perfect gift for lovers of modern fantasy literature. Patrons stand out in line, resulting in a rush for the restrooms, rush to continue reading wicked on broadway. Wicked by gregory maguire is an interesting twist on the classic wizard of oz, examining the life of the wicked witch and asking if evil is born or. I wish that i had researched this book more before i ordered it for my teenage daughter. Is the book wicked suitable for a really mature 12 year. The musical, however, is much more lighthearted and more family appropriate. The book was written by gregory maguire and published in 1996. The broadway show wicked is an adaptation of the best selling novel by gregory maguire, wicked. Oct 29, 2011 right now i will be analyzing how the book, wicked. Wicked, the life and times of the wicked witch of the east is a fantasy book by gregory maguire. If the reason the year old in question wants to read the book is because they liked the musical, they probably wouldnt like it.
However, one of broadways most successful shows wicked, has proven not only to be entertaining for adults, but both appropriate and exciting for kids and teens as well. Its a very good book that is mature in content not only because of some things that may not be deemed age appropriate to an average 12 year old, but because it makes one think so much. Parents wanting a more cultural experience for their kids often look towards the theatre, but can sometimes run into trouble finding a kidfriendly show to see. Best broadway shows for kids and families mommypoppins. I think it would be appropriate for a 7 and 9 year old. Yes, though id probably wait until the child is maybe 8.
The novel is a political, social, and ethical commentary on the nature of good and evil and takes place. It follows the life of the wicked witch, the character from the wizard of oz, from her birth to her death, or her pseudodeath. The life and times of the wicked witch of the west wicked. If you ask people to pick a ray bradbury story to read during halloween, most would say the halloween tree. Nor does it become overly focused or graphic on any of the more mature topics. Some years after munchkinlands secession from oz, a tornado sweeps through oz, leaving the residents baffled. Elphaba is now called wicked witch of the west, or simply the witch, largely because she. The story is very different than the musical adaptation of it, as the book is much darker and more evil. Some theaters dont allow you in before the show, resulting in the long lines you see when walking down the streets around times square. Instead, its reward comes from the opportunity for rich discussion prompted by the fascinating tapestry of storytelling.
Two boys lives are changed forever when a sinister travelling carnival stops at their illinois town. Unless the year old in question is incredibly mature, no, wicked is not appropriate. The life and times of the wicked witch of the west questions. On our wicked for kids page, i explain why i think the language of wicked is suited for children age eight and older, and other considerations. The applause has been tremendous during matinee crowds with large numbers of school or youth groups in the audiences.
And as my love for the book wicked and the wicked witch of the west grew, my hatred for george lucas grew in direct proportion. United states wicked the broadway play i am planning to take my year old to see wicked on broadway. Wicked looks at what happened in the land of ozbut from a different angle. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading wicked. The wicked box office advises that the show isnt suitable for children under the age of 7, and those under 3 will not be allowed in to the theatre. I have written a wicked book, and feel spotless as the lamb. It is a revisionist exploration of the characters and land of oz from the 1900 novel the wonderful wizard of oz by l. The life and times of the wicked witch of the west about and why should i care. I dont think it should be said that wicked isnt appropriate for children under the age of 8, it really depends on the child and what they are exposed to. Ive been to a lot of broadway theaters, but the gershwin theater is really made for audiences. While this book mentions death, sex, and drugs, it doesnt romanticize any of those topics. Wicked the life and times of the wicked witch of the west wicked the life and times of the wicked witch of the west by gregory maguire prologue on the yellow brick road a mile above oz, the witch balanced on the winds forward edge, as if she were a green fleck of the land itself, flung up and sent wheeling away by the turbulent air. In this unique book, she grew to become an animal rights advocate and more of a.
Wicked horror shares 10 horrifying kids books that might not be appropriate for children. It was the most incredible sight seeing my son dressed to the nines his idea and he was the perfect escort for me and my two sisters. Something wicked this way comes by ray bradbury scholastic. Wicked, based on the 1995 book by gregory maguire, is a reverse trip down the yellow brick road to before dorothy ever landed in oz, before there. Frank baum, its sequels, and the 1939 film adaption the wizard of oz. Mar 31, 2017 this book has inspired sequels and an upcoming movie. Set preferences and get ageappropriate recommendations with common sense media plus. Oct 05, 2005 mandar talvekar said hi lisa, the book is undoubtedly good. It felt like a chore to pick it up and get back into the story. The saga continues in son of a witch, the whimsical comingofage story of liir, the wicked witchs secret son.
I would recommend this book for ages 15 and up due to some sexual content and adult situations. Nov 07, 2016 wicked by gregory maguire is a wonderfully creepy, magical and sometimes disturbing book, perfect for your fall reading list. I went to public school, so nothing in here was particularly shocking. Each title in the series presents a timeless work in an attractively designed edition bound in durable bonded leather. Its much more of a book club kind of book than a solitary preteen adventure story. Life and times of the wicked witch of the west and the musical wicked are extremely different. Im thinking about getting it for my english reading book but im not sure if ill be able to understand it. There is a great deal of explicit, twisted content that is not explored in a way meant for kids or adolescents. The basis for the smash hit tony awardwinning broadway musical, gregory maguires breathtaking new york times bestseller wicked views the land of oz, its inhabitants, its wizard, and the emerald city, through a darker and greener not rosier lens.