What to read, based on your favourite character from Wicked
If you’ve just watched the new Wicked movie, you’re probably like me and itching to either rewatch it again, create a time machine to skip forward to next year for part 2, or immerse yourself in all things Wicked! You also may be interested in reading Gregory Maguire’s Wicked, the inspiration behind the Broadway musical and the movie. However, if you’re a parent whose kids are keen to read the novel, you may be surprised to hear just how different and darker it is than the movie.
But don't worry, we're here to help with lots of young adult recommendations that are more age appropriate, but still have all the magic and excitement of the Wicked movie. So, pick a character from the film and find a wickedly fun new read!
Read Night of the Witch by Sara Raasch and Beth Revis
Ages 14+
Elphaba, like many witches in history and mythology, has long been painted in an evil light without us truly learning her side of the story. Night of the Witch explores this experience by shining a light on Germany's 16th century witch trials, with a historical fiction fantasy about a girl who turns to magic after she’s lost everything.
Fritzi is a witch. The lone survivor of a brutal attack on her coven, she's determined to find her only remaining family member and bring the zealot witch hunters to justice for the lives they ended. To do this, she will need to take down their leader, the merciless and enigmatic Kommandant Dieter Kirch.
When Fritzi and Otto, a witch hunter, are unexpectedly thrown together, neither is sure they can trust the other. The reluctant truce fuelled by their common enemy takes them from the city at the heart of the witch hunters' power to the wild and mysterious Black Forest. As old truths come to light and new dangers are revealed, Fritzi and Otto uncover a horrifying magical plot at the center of the attacks on witches, that leads back to Kommandant Kirch ... but their own growing feelings for each other may be the most powerful magic of all.
Read I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by Ann Liang
Ages 12+
Academic rivalry? A need to be the best above all? A frustratingly handsome male love interest? With a gorgeous pink cover to boot, this hilarious romance is definitely the book to read if Glinda is your favourite.
Sadie Wen is the perfect student. She’s school captain, valedictorian, and gets the best grades for all her assignments. But with all the stress and frustrations that come with being an A-grade student, Sadie’s method of venting is to draft emails to all the people she hates, listing the reasons they have wronged her – whether it be a teacher who refused to round up her percentage score on an essay; a classmate who copied Sadie’s idea and took the credit; or to Julius, her arch-nemesis and co-school captain, who has been competitive towards Sadie since they were kids.
She would never send them, of course. Until one day these draft emails are mysteriously sent to every student and staff member and Sadie becomes the most hated person at school. Except to Julius, who seems interested in knowing who the real Sadie Wen is.
Read I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Connor
Ages 14+
As a bookseller, it pained me to see how many books got trampled on by Prince Fiyero. Nevertheless, he is as swoon-worthy as any of our classic literary love interests, which is why I picked a Pride & Prejudice retelling for its cosy charm, slow burn romance, and as homage to Jonathan Bailey’s role in Bridgerton (and his horse too). So if you’re too busy dancing through life to read a novel, try this quick graphic novel instead!
George has always been in love with their best friend, Eleanor – and has always tried to ignore it. Now Eleanor is coming of age and expected to marry a suitable man, it doesn’t matter how George feels – they have to let her go. Besides, George is busy avoiding their aunt’s matchmaking, taking over the failing family estate, and trying to keep their dressing in men’s clothes a secret.
Eleanor has always wanted to do everything ‘right,’ including falling in love – but she’s never met a boy she’s interested in. She’s more concerned with finding the perfect match for her cousin Charlotte, and working out why George is suddenly pulling away. But Eleanor’s friendships seem to be falling apart, and she’s beginning to realise that she likes George more than any man she’s met at a ball …
Read Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Ages 14+
Who else to compare the enigmatic and wily Wizard of Oz than Legend, the mastermind of the magical carnival Caraval, where your dreams come true. but at the deepest cost ...
Scarlett has never left the tiny isle of Trisda, pining from afar for the wonder of Caraval, a once-a-year, week-long performance where the audience participates in the show. Caraval is Magic. Mystery. Adventure. And for Scarlett and her beloved sister Tella it represents freedom and an escape from their ruthless, abusive father.
When the sisters’ long-awaited invitations to Caraval finally arrive, it seems their dreams have come true. But no sooner have they arrived than Tella vanishes, kidnapped by the show’s mastermind organiser, Legend. Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But nonetheless she quickly becomes enmeshed in a dangerous game of love, magic and heartbreak. And real or not, she must find Tella before the game is over, and her sister disappears forever.
Read A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
Ages 13+
Cunning, unpredictable and deadly – just like Madam Morrible. If this is how you like your dark academia books, Naomi Novik’s A Deadly Education will satisfy every itch.
Enter a school of magic unlike any you have ever encountered. There are no teachers, no holidays, friendships are purely strategic, and the odds of survival are never equal. Once you’re inside, there are only two ways out – you graduate or you die.
El Higgins is uniquely prepared for the school’s many dangers. She may be without allies, but she possesses a dark power strong enough to level mountains and wipe out untold millions – never mind easily destroy the countless monsters that prowl the school.
Except, she might accidentally kill all the other students, too. So El is trying her hardest not to use her power … that is, unless she has no other choice.
Read Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
Ages 13+
If you chose Dr Dillamond, then you have a yearning for knowledge, and a need to uncover the truth. For this, you should definitely read Margaret Rogerson’s Sorcery of Thorns, in which a magical library where books come alive has the power to destroy the world.
All sorcerers are evil. Elisabeth has known that for as long as she can remember. Raised in one of Austermeer’s Great Libraries, Elisabeth has grown up among magical grimoires that, if provoked, transform into grotesque monsters of ink and leather.
When the library’s most dangerous grimoire is released, Elisabeth is blamed. With no one to turn to but her sworn enemy, the sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn, she finds herself entangled in a centuries-old conspiracy. As her alliance with Nathaniel grows stronger, Elisabeth starts to question everything she’s been taught. For Elisabeth has a power she could never have imagined.
