Wizard of Oz

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was written in 1900, by L. Frank Baum. Being a children’s novel, this literary tale has been republished multiple times, usually titled The Wizard of Oz. This classic tale follows the adventure of a young girl names Dorothy and her dog Toto, into the Land of Oz. After being caught up in a cyclone, her house is dropped in the Land of Oz, on top of the Wicked Witch of the East. In order to return home, Dorothy must travel to the Emerald City to the see the Wizard. While following the yellow brick road, advised to her by the Munchkins in Munchkin Land, Dorothy meets three creatures; the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion. Each wanted to go with Dorothy to ask the Wizard for help. When Dorothy sees the Wizard to ask him for help to get home, he is just a large head. When the Scarecrow sees the Wizard to ask him for a brain, he is a beautiful woman. When the Tin Man asks the Wizard for a heart, he is a beast. Finally, when the Cowardly Lion asks the Wizard for courage, he is a ball of fire. In return for their wishes, the Wizard wants them to kill the Wicked Witch of the West.

This literary tale should be added to the canon list for many reasons; one being it is such a well-known story. It has been rewritten and made into a classic film, that every generation is being enlightened by the tale of Dorothy. Her journey through unfamiliar town, Dorothy takes the adventure head on, not allowing anything to get in her way of getting home.

I believe it is a great story for all young women to read. It is a girl empowering book; especially during the 1900’s, when girls did not have a voice or the chance to be independent. It allows them to feel like they can do whatever they put their mind too.