Wicked Book Recommendations — For Younger Readers

Last year, my sister-in-law asked if she could buy the book version of Wicked by Gregory Maguire for my niece, who had recently fallen in love with the musical. It’s a perfectly understandable question. The musical is bright, empowering, and recommended for ages seven and up, and the new movie adaptation is rated PG.

But the book behind the musical is not written for children. Gregory Maguire’s Wicked is firmly adult fiction, filled with political allegory, violence, mature themes, and philosophical heaviness. While the musical simplifies and softens the story, the novel is a dark, often bleak reimagining of Oz.

Because of this, Wicked the novel isn’t suitable for younger readers or even many younger teens. Fortunately, there are many magical, age-appropriate alternatives—available in both print and audio—for readers who love Wicked and want more fantastical worlds to explore.

Below are some wonderful picks, complete with summaries and audiobook options.

Return to Oz: Safe and Magical for All Ages

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz — L. Frank Baum

Dorothy Gale is swept from Kansas into the magical Land of Oz, where she must travel the Yellow Brick Road to find the Wizard who can help her return home. Along the way, she befriends the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion. It’s a whimsical story about bravery, friendship, and discovering the strengths we already possess.

For Audiobook Listeners

Anne Hathaway narrates a popular Audible edition with lively character voices.

A full-cast audio drama from Big Finish Productions adds music, sound design, and ensemble narration for an immersive experience.

Magical Reads for Younger Readers

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone — J.K. Rowling

On his eleventh birthday, orphaned Harry Potter discovers he is a wizard and begins attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, he uncovers secrets about his past and a hidden plot involving a powerful magical stone. The story is full of charm, adventure, and warmth.

Audiobook options:

• UK edition narrated by Stephen Fry, whose classic, cozy delivery has become beloved by fans.
• US edition narrated by Jim Dale, known for his distinct character voices.
• Full-cast audio edition narrated by Cush Jumbo with a full ensemble, adding music, sound effects, and dynamic performances to bring the world of Hogwarts vividly to life.

Northern Lights (The Golden Compass) — Philip Pullman

Lyra Belacqua discovers a conspiracy involving kidnapped children and a mysterious substance called Dust. Her rescue mission takes her to the Arctic, where she teams up with gyptians, witches, and Iorek Byrnison, an armored polar bear. It’s imaginative and philosophical without being too dark for younger readers.

Audiobook options:

• A newer recording narrated by Ruth Wilson, rich and atmospheric.
• An earlier full-cast version narrated by Philip Pullman with actors voicing major characters.

Inkheart — Cornelia Funke

Meggie discovers her father has a rare gift: he can read characters out of books—and real people into them. When a villain from a novel escapes into their world, Meggie must help stop him. It’s a love letter to stories, filled with adventure, danger, and heart.

Audiobook options:

• Lynn Redgrave narrates the unabridged English edition with warmth and emotional depth.

Darker, Deeper Fantasy for Teen Readerships

Keeper — Kim Chance

Sixteen-year-old Lainey Styles learns she is a witch destined to protect a powerful magical legacy. As she struggles to understand her growing abilities, dark forces rise against her. The book blends contemporary teen life with magic, danger, and self-discovery.

Audiobook options:

• Narrated by Katie Schorr, whose expressive performance captures Lainey’s narrative voice.

A Study in Drowning — Ava Reid

Effy Sayre, anxious and imaginative, wins a contest to redesign the crumbling home of her favourite deceased author. But the house is full of haunting secrets, illusions, and mysteries that blur reality and folklore. With the help of a scholarly rival, she uncovers disturbing truths about art, trauma, and myth.

Audiobook options:

• Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, known for atmospheric, emotionally layered readings.

Dorothy Must Die — Danielle Paige

Amy Gumm, another girl from Kansas, is swept into a corrupted Oz where Dorothy has returned—this time as a tyrant. Amy joins the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked and is tasked with a dangerous mission: stop Dorothy and save Oz from her greed. Fast-paced, darkly clever, and rebellious.

Audiobook options:

• Narrated by Devon Sorvari, whose sharp, energetic delivery matches the story’s intensity.

Final Thoughts

While Wicked the musical is family-friendly, the original novel is absolutely not. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of magical adventures—light, deep, whimsical, or thrilling—that are much more appropriate for young readers. Whether they prefer listening or reading, each book above offers a rich world to get lost in.