Common Sense Media Review
By Sage Moreaux
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Altruism versus power in action-packed adventure set in Oz.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In WICKED ON THE WIND, school has just settled down after Ava's last adventure, and the students are preparing for end-of-term exams when the wickedest witch in the land catches the school in a magical tornado. After the teachers are all swept away in an attempt to stop the magic, it's up to the students to save the day. Ava's frenemy, Tinabella, recently released from her banishment, has a plan. Will Ava and Tinabella be able to put their differences aside and do what it takes to avoid a wicked fate?
Is It Any Good?
Silly and action-packed, the third book in the series builds on the characters, themes, and plot development from the earlier books. The best part of Wicked on the Wind is the struggle Ava faces as she learns truly wicked magic. There are enough silly moments, weird foods, and magical spells to entertain kids interested in fantasy and magic, though the connection to the original land of Oz is a bit of a stretch.
Ava's struggle between craving power and popularity and doing what's best for others is compelling, but possibly too complex for younger readers. Additionally, the reward for being wicked could be misunderstood by some. Overall, this book (and all the books in the series) is a pretty fun read for kids not old enough to read some of the other books set in the land of Oz.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the forms of teamwork at play in Wicked on the Wind. How does the teamwork between Ava and Tinabella differ from the teamwork Crow orchestrates?
People who have read the original Oz books can compare the Land of Oz in those books and the subsequent movie with how Oz is depicted in this book. How do they differ? Would you want to see a movie based on these books? Why do you think he chose to use an existing setting instead of creating his own?
Ava struggles to make choices between acting from a desire for power and acting from the heart, ultimately relying on her friends for support. Have you experienced this struggle in your own life? How did you get through it?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy ( Fairy Tales , Magic ) , Friendship , School
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Inc.
- Publication date : September 19, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 256
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 22, 2025
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