The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Author L. Frank Baum
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Story
Dorothy lives in grey Kansas, with her aunt and uncle. Only her little dog Toto keeps her cheerful. However, when a cyclone hits their home, Dorothy finds herself (and the house) swept away to the magical, colourful land of Oz.
There, she journeys along the yellow brick road seeking the Great Wizard's help to return home. Along the way, she meets extraordinary companions: a Scarecrow who longs for a brain, a Tin Man who yearns for a heart, and a Cowardly Lion who seeks courage.
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Why we chose it
The Wizard of Oz is full of strong, vibrant characters – particularly the women. Malorie Blackman chose to be photographed as the Wicked Witch of the West for our 2014 26 Characters exhibition. She said that it is the women in the story who hold the power – whether they are using it for good or evil and whether they know it or not.
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First published
1900, George M. Hill Company