Books › Who stole the Wizard of Oz?
Who stole the Wizard of Oz?
First published 1992 · 128 pages
A cozy, bookish puzzle-box of a mystery that turns the local library into a landscape of hidden clues.
What it feels like
Reading this book feels like spending a rainy afternoon tucked away in the quiet corners of a beloved local library, surrounded by the comforting scent of old paper and the thrill of a hidden secret. It is a brisk, clever puzzle-box that invites the reader to play detective alongside a fiercely loyal sibling duo. The narrative moves with a snappy, accessible rhythm, perfectly balancing the stinging frustration of being falsely accused with the joyful energy of unraveling a literary scavenger hunt. There is a deeply nostalgic, cozy warmth to the atmosphere, celebrating the magic of classic children's literature and the quiet power of paying attention. It is an absolute delight for young bookworms and anyone who believes that the right book can lead to a real-life adventure.
- Mood
- cozy
- bookish
- nostalgic
- lightly suspenseful
- Tone
- clever
- earnest
- playful
- inquisitive
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- sibling loyalty · the magic of libraries · clearing one's name · literary puzzles · everyday justice
- The writing
- Accessible and snappy, with straightforward dialogue and a brisk rhythm that keeps young readers eagerly turning pages.
- The arc
- Moves from the stinging frustration of an unjust accusation to the triumphant, cozy satisfaction of solving a clever puzzle.
- Who it's for
- Young bookworms who love unraveling clues and anyone who views the local library as a treasure trove of secrets.
Content notes
- false accusation
About the book
One of Newbery Honor author Avi's most popular middle-grade mysteries is available in paper once again. The mystery revolves around a rare edition of The Wizard of Oz missing from the local library. When Becky is accused of stealing it, she and her twin brother Toby set out to catch the real thief and prove her innocence. Clues cleverly hidden in four other books lead to a hidden treasure--and a gripping adventure.
Description from Open Library.
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