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The School for Wicked Witches #1
The School for Wicked Witches
Ava isn't ready to leave her home in Oz -- especially not to become a witch. Then the worst thing that could possibly happen occurs -- Ava's magic does very wrong and she is banished to a school for wicked witches. Perfect for fans of WICKED, WITCHLINGS, and THE SCHOOL FOR GOOD AND EVIL!
In Oz, most girls and boys with magical powers are sent from the north, south, east, and west to renowned witch academies, where they are elevated and taught all the finer ways to be a responsible witch. But if you misbehave? Or are thought to harbor darker magic? You're sent to the equivalent of witch reform school -- The School for Wicked Witches. ONLY! Once you get there, you find that the witches running it are so powerful that they've managed to trick the rest of the outside world. Yes, it looks to outside like they are taming the wickedness out of the witches... but in truth, the school is run by wicked witches (who, incidentally, don't see themselves as wicked at all... although some of them really are.)
Ava Heartstraw has never even considered being wicked. But when she goes to take her entrance test for a witch academy, she doesn't get the reaction she's expecting -- and is the first kid in memory from the west to be sent to the School for Wicked Witches.
In Oz, most girls and boys with magical powers are sent from the north, south, east, and west to renowned witch academies, where they are elevated and taught all the finer ways to be a responsible witch. But if you misbehave? Or are thought to harbor darker magic? You're sent to the equivalent of witch reform school -- The School for Wicked Witches. ONLY! Once you get there, you find that the witches running it are so powerful that they've managed to trick the rest of the outside world. Yes, it looks to outside like they are taming the wickedness out of the witches... but in truth, the school is run by wicked witches (who, incidentally, don't see themselves as wicked at all... although some of them really are.)
Ava Heartstraw has never even considered being wicked. But when she goes to take her entrance test for a witch academy, she doesn't get the reaction she's expecting -- and is the first kid in memory from the west to be sent to the School for Wicked Witches.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 17, 2025
DNF @ 75%
I was literally at the finish line with this one but the repetitive nature of the plot nearly sent me into a reading slump. There were parts that I did enjoy but this just didn’t work the way I anticipated.
I was literally at the finish line with this one but the repetitive nature of the plot nearly sent me into a reading slump. There were parts that I did enjoy but this just didn’t work the way I anticipated.
July 9, 2024
Thank you @scholastic and @willtaylorbooks for this ARC!!
How far would you go to be after you belonged?
Ava Heartstraw is excited to have received an invitation to the West Oz Witch Academy but a disastrous test of her powers gets her sent to the School for Wicked Witches. It’s scary, with head masters that are skeletal and spiders scurrying around and terrifying… until the spell is broken and a perfectly normal school takes its place.
It’s a home for the misunderstood, a place of belonging for the outcasts and misfits… but Ava is determined that her place is at WOW. And she will stop at nothing to escape the school that would dare label her wicked…
The story was so incredible, I literally finished reading it in three hours. It’s fast paced, fun with a lot of magical, mayhem, and wonderful conversations about labels and belonging. This is an absolutely magical addition to Oz lore and a gentle look at the way that society treats it’s “wicked“ — where, instead of horrors and punishments inflicted upon those that don’t belong or measure up or fit the mold, kids need compassion, patience and the freedom to spread your wings.
releasing September 17, 2024! Definitely put this one on your radar!
How far would you go to be after you belonged?
Ava Heartstraw is excited to have received an invitation to the West Oz Witch Academy but a disastrous test of her powers gets her sent to the School for Wicked Witches. It’s scary, with head masters that are skeletal and spiders scurrying around and terrifying… until the spell is broken and a perfectly normal school takes its place.
It’s a home for the misunderstood, a place of belonging for the outcasts and misfits… but Ava is determined that her place is at WOW. And she will stop at nothing to escape the school that would dare label her wicked…
The story was so incredible, I literally finished reading it in three hours. It’s fast paced, fun with a lot of magical, mayhem, and wonderful conversations about labels and belonging. This is an absolutely magical addition to Oz lore and a gentle look at the way that society treats it’s “wicked“ — where, instead of horrors and punishments inflicted upon those that don’t belong or measure up or fit the mold, kids need compassion, patience and the freedom to spread your wings.
releasing September 17, 2024! Definitely put this one on your radar!
March 6, 2025
Oh how I love middle grade books! If your 8-12 year old loved the movie wicked, they will love this book. Fast paced, plenty of magic, kids learning how to be around other kids both nice and not so nice, second guessing some of their choices and also doing problem solving in situations are some of things going on in this book. A FUN read!
February 5, 2025
I have been reading a lot of heavy, dark books lately. So I gave myself a break with this one.
Super cute story. I loved it. I love them getting their confidence with their powers. My brain loved the break. Highly recommend.
Super cute story. I loved it. I love them getting their confidence with their powers. My brain loved the break. Highly recommend.
July 21, 2025
Okay, once I switched my brain into kid mode, this was quite cute, and I have to read the next one now! A few references to Wizard of Oz (not so much Wicked specifically), and a bit on the younger end of middle grade fic (I'd say 7-10ish), but definitely would suit fans of Starfell, and even fans of Nevermoor or School for Good and Evil wanting a shorter or easier read.
September 27, 2025
A cross between Harry Potter and the Wizard of Oz. It is a cute story. I needed something light and fun and this fit the bill.
May 16, 2025
I enjoyed this Harry Potter (messenger parrots invite them to the school instead of owls) meets The Descendants meets Wayside school middle grade Oz adventure. The main character Ava, her scarecrow- like friend Crow and cowardly friend Henry go on an adventure much like Dorothy did. They meet a terrifying witch (an illustration of her impressive outfit and stature would be appreciated) who sounds like the White Witch from Narnia. I look forward to seeing what trouble she causes for Ava in the sequel.
Thank you Scholastic for the physical copy of this creative novel.
Thank you Scholastic for the physical copy of this creative novel.
November 28, 2024
It was odd at times but overall a story that students in 3rd through 7th grade will likely connect with if they enjoy magic and sorcery. The School for Wicked Witches touches on the land of Oz without connecting too much and the magic these witches possess was different from many other books I have read. Still have some questions about why Tinabella changed her tune but aside from that, it was interesting and ended how I imagined!
July 22, 2025
A cute fun read. A great option for kids moving away from illustrated early middle grade books and onto something with full text, but before they're ready for something like Nevermoor or School for Good and Evil. The Oz references are pretty limited but it probably works better that way as it's just enough for it to be a selling point for Oz fans but not so much that it alienates everyone else.
Want to read
October 25, 2024what is this... wicked jr? XD
March 5, 2025
It's cute; painfully middle grade but cute enough for the age group intended for.
January 3, 2025
I think this book was pretty good. I don’t usually love fantasy, but this was a fun, different read.
Ava Heartstraw is a very interesting protagonist of the story, but sometimes the story got a little slow and repetitive. Some of the names were hard to remember and keep track of as more got introduced, but it never got to the point where I couldn’t recall who the character was anymore.
I wish some of characters were a little more likable, because Ava was, but most of the others were not.
This book is good for people who love fantasy, magic, and a nice cliffhanger at the end!
Ava Heartstraw is a very interesting protagonist of the story, but sometimes the story got a little slow and repetitive. Some of the names were hard to remember and keep track of as more got introduced, but it never got to the point where I couldn’t recall who the character was anymore.
I wish some of characters were a little more likable, because Ava was, but most of the others were not.
This book is good for people who love fantasy, magic, and a nice cliffhanger at the end!
January 7, 2026
This book was amazing! I loved it so much.I liked it because I like magic involved books and this book had a lot of magic including witches, gargoyles,and wizards.
June 27, 2025
The main point of this book is to not follow your “ friends” paths and to follow your own. Be you and unique not what others want you to be.also everything happens for a reason so don’t try to change it because it won’t always have the outcome you want.sometimes it’s good to go with the flow and not to question it.
July 18, 2024
What worked:
Ava is a sympathetic character following her epic failure when trying to enter the West Oz Witch Academy, or WOW. Her magic affects water and plants but performing her magic near her home in the desert is drastically different from the abundant water found in the school. She’s overwhelmed during her trial performance which the teachers interpret as evil magic. Readers will root for Ava after she’s dumped into the Wicked Wagon and sent to the School for Wicked Witches (the secret name is Swickwit). Ava has mixed feelings upon her arrival but she’s determined to prove her goodness and return to WOW.
Swickwit is not at all what Ava expects or what the synopsis implies. Most witches perceive the school as a punishment with severe, strict rules for the wicked witches to follow. However, Swickwit views them as misunderstood and the teachers try to help the “wicked” witches master their unique, special abilities. Ava begins to feel more comfortable with her powers and she even learns to perform other kinds of magic. Because the school for evil witches is not what the rest of the world expects, all students are confined to the school grounds until they can be trusted to keep the secret. This typically takes about seven years so some readers might think Swickwit sounds like a prison.
Ava is caught in a difficult situation when she first meets her new roommate. Tinabella insists her trial to attend the North Oz Witch Academy was sabotaged and she’ll stop at nothing to get back and punish the responsible people. Ava quickly agrees to team up with her but it always feels like she’s following Tinabella’s lead. The other Swickwit students look down on Ava because she’s from the West so she’s not able to make any other friends. There’s one excluded boy who’s repeating his first year at Swickwit for the third time and readers will probably predict that Ava will eventually join up with him.
What didn’t work as well:
Ava is determined to get back to WOW even though Swickwit is a better fit for her. She doesn’t share much thought as to how she plans to get accepted into the school for good witches even if she can find some way to get there. Her resolve makes sense early on but the thinking is less logical as the story moves along. This character is forced to think about the bigger picture when the plot arrives at the climax.
The final verdict:
Swickwit is a curious setting due to its secrets and methods for handling “evil” witches. It creates unexpected problems for the characters and their unique abilities are both useful and potentially terrifying. Overall, the book should appeal to amusing witch lovers and I recommend you give it a shot.
Ava is a sympathetic character following her epic failure when trying to enter the West Oz Witch Academy, or WOW. Her magic affects water and plants but performing her magic near her home in the desert is drastically different from the abundant water found in the school. She’s overwhelmed during her trial performance which the teachers interpret as evil magic. Readers will root for Ava after she’s dumped into the Wicked Wagon and sent to the School for Wicked Witches (the secret name is Swickwit). Ava has mixed feelings upon her arrival but she’s determined to prove her goodness and return to WOW.
Swickwit is not at all what Ava expects or what the synopsis implies. Most witches perceive the school as a punishment with severe, strict rules for the wicked witches to follow. However, Swickwit views them as misunderstood and the teachers try to help the “wicked” witches master their unique, special abilities. Ava begins to feel more comfortable with her powers and she even learns to perform other kinds of magic. Because the school for evil witches is not what the rest of the world expects, all students are confined to the school grounds until they can be trusted to keep the secret. This typically takes about seven years so some readers might think Swickwit sounds like a prison.
Ava is caught in a difficult situation when she first meets her new roommate. Tinabella insists her trial to attend the North Oz Witch Academy was sabotaged and she’ll stop at nothing to get back and punish the responsible people. Ava quickly agrees to team up with her but it always feels like she’s following Tinabella’s lead. The other Swickwit students look down on Ava because she’s from the West so she’s not able to make any other friends. There’s one excluded boy who’s repeating his first year at Swickwit for the third time and readers will probably predict that Ava will eventually join up with him.
What didn’t work as well:
Ava is determined to get back to WOW even though Swickwit is a better fit for her. She doesn’t share much thought as to how she plans to get accepted into the school for good witches even if she can find some way to get there. Her resolve makes sense early on but the thinking is less logical as the story moves along. This character is forced to think about the bigger picture when the plot arrives at the climax.
The final verdict:
Swickwit is a curious setting due to its secrets and methods for handling “evil” witches. It creates unexpected problems for the characters and their unique abilities are both useful and potentially terrifying. Overall, the book should appeal to amusing witch lovers and I recommend you give it a shot.
September 22, 2024
The School for Wicked Witches is a bewitching adventure that takes readers deep into a magical, twist-filled version of Oz. Will Taylor creates a delightful and unique spin on the world of witches, where the divide between good and evil isn't as clear-cut as it seems.
Ava Heartstraw, a charming and relatable protagonist, is thrust into an unexpected fate when her magic goes wrong. Banished to a school for "wicked" witches, Ava’s journey of self-discovery feels both thrilling and heartfelt as she navigates the murky politics of witchcraft. The school, full of secretive and powerful witches, adds an extra layer of mystery, making for a deliciously dark yet whimsical atmosphere.
Taylor’s world-building is impressive, blending a fresh take on Oz with themes of rebellion and self-identity. Fans of Wicked, Witchlings, and The School for Good and Evil will be especially enchanted by the way this book plays with the idea of wickedness and the power structures within magical societies.
What truly shines is the book's underlying message: the label of "wicked" isn't always what it seems. Ava’s growth, as she questions her place in the world and what it means to be truly powerful, makes this an emotionally engaging read. The cast of witches she meets along the way, each with their own hidden depths, brings both humor and tension to the story.
While the pacing stumbles slightly in a few places, the sheer creativity and immersive setting more than make up for it. The twists keep coming, and the ending leaves readers eager for what’s next.
Overall, The School for Wicked Witches is a wickedly delightful read that balances adventure, heart, and a touch of darkness.
Ava Heartstraw, a charming and relatable protagonist, is thrust into an unexpected fate when her magic goes wrong. Banished to a school for "wicked" witches, Ava’s journey of self-discovery feels both thrilling and heartfelt as she navigates the murky politics of witchcraft. The school, full of secretive and powerful witches, adds an extra layer of mystery, making for a deliciously dark yet whimsical atmosphere.
Taylor’s world-building is impressive, blending a fresh take on Oz with themes of rebellion and self-identity. Fans of Wicked, Witchlings, and The School for Good and Evil will be especially enchanted by the way this book plays with the idea of wickedness and the power structures within magical societies.
What truly shines is the book's underlying message: the label of "wicked" isn't always what it seems. Ava’s growth, as she questions her place in the world and what it means to be truly powerful, makes this an emotionally engaging read. The cast of witches she meets along the way, each with their own hidden depths, brings both humor and tension to the story.
While the pacing stumbles slightly in a few places, the sheer creativity and immersive setting more than make up for it. The twists keep coming, and the ending leaves readers eager for what’s next.
Overall, The School for Wicked Witches is a wickedly delightful read that balances adventure, heart, and a touch of darkness.
October 31, 2024
Ava Heartstraw is excited, awestruck, and nervous: she has been summoned to the West Oz Academy to test her magic! Witches deemed good get to attend the prestigious school and learn how to harness their magic in order to become a benevolent witch. However, if your magic is wicked (seen as destructive or hurtful), you will be sent to the School for Wicked Witches, with nefarious students, terrifying teachers, and absolutely no escape. And, unfortunately, that’s where Ava is sent after a disastrous show of her powers. Will she survive the school long enough to escape its terrible clutches? And is the infamous School for Wicked Witches really that…wicked?
The School for Wicked Witches is a delightful and witchy tale about a magical girl struggling to find the place she belongs. Set in the land from The Wizard of Oz, the story takes young readers on a journey of wayward plans, wickedness, perseverance, and deciding your own fate. Ava is a clever and headstrong protagonist who is willing to risk it all and escape for the life she wants, even if she must confront the daunting concepts of good vs. evil and the idea that “wickedness and “goodness” are not all they appear in Oz. The school, the morbid teachers, and its wild students are a treat with bizarre, horrid, or surprising magic popping out of the page, especially through Ava’s straight-from-the-countryside point of view. Overall, a fun, witchy story that young chapter book readers will enjoy, with a satisfying ending that leaves you wanting the sequel. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
The School for Wicked Witches is a delightful and witchy tale about a magical girl struggling to find the place she belongs. Set in the land from The Wizard of Oz, the story takes young readers on a journey of wayward plans, wickedness, perseverance, and deciding your own fate. Ava is a clever and headstrong protagonist who is willing to risk it all and escape for the life she wants, even if she must confront the daunting concepts of good vs. evil and the idea that “wickedness and “goodness” are not all they appear in Oz. The school, the morbid teachers, and its wild students are a treat with bizarre, horrid, or surprising magic popping out of the page, especially through Ava’s straight-from-the-countryside point of view. Overall, a fun, witchy story that young chapter book readers will enjoy, with a satisfying ending that leaves you wanting the sequel. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
January 5, 2025
Step back Ever After High and other cheesy imitators!
The School for Wicked Witches is a brilliant new middle grade series opener set in the land of Oz. Ava Heartstraw, a poor & humble brick moss farmer, is excited to begin her education at the West Oz Witch Academy. On opening day new students are invited to display their magic skill to the professors and other students. When Ava’s display of her water & plant growing power causes a huge mess, the headmaster immediately deems her and her magic’ wicked.’ She’s quickly locked in the gargoyle-driven Wicked Wagon and flown to the School for Wicked Witches. Even when she discovers that the school is not actually wicked, but a haven for supposed wicked witches to learn and master their gifts, she cannot leave because she knows this well-kept secret. Instead of counting herself lucky and enjoying the delicious food and her new friend, Ava is convinced she must escape and that she will somehow be granted admission back into the West Oz Witch Academy. Because who wouldn’t want to leave a lovely place where you are nurtured and respected and go back to a place where everyone treats you like you’re intrinsically evil?
Ah, preteens. This is truly a fresh and inventive approach to Oz and fantasy books for this age in general. Readers will find a lot of things to like - great characters, magic, adventure and even a little mystery.
Ultimately, it’s a book about embracing who you are (both the good parts and the bad ones) and surrounding yourself with friends who support you, something all tweens need.
Highly recommended
R.U.
Youth Services Director
The School for Wicked Witches is a brilliant new middle grade series opener set in the land of Oz. Ava Heartstraw, a poor & humble brick moss farmer, is excited to begin her education at the West Oz Witch Academy. On opening day new students are invited to display their magic skill to the professors and other students. When Ava’s display of her water & plant growing power causes a huge mess, the headmaster immediately deems her and her magic’ wicked.’ She’s quickly locked in the gargoyle-driven Wicked Wagon and flown to the School for Wicked Witches. Even when she discovers that the school is not actually wicked, but a haven for supposed wicked witches to learn and master their gifts, she cannot leave because she knows this well-kept secret. Instead of counting herself lucky and enjoying the delicious food and her new friend, Ava is convinced she must escape and that she will somehow be granted admission back into the West Oz Witch Academy. Because who wouldn’t want to leave a lovely place where you are nurtured and respected and go back to a place where everyone treats you like you’re intrinsically evil?
Ah, preteens. This is truly a fresh and inventive approach to Oz and fantasy books for this age in general. Readers will find a lot of things to like - great characters, magic, adventure and even a little mystery.
Ultimately, it’s a book about embracing who you are (both the good parts and the bad ones) and surrounding yourself with friends who support you, something all tweens need.
Highly recommended
R.U.
Youth Services Director
October 15, 2025
MY RATING DEFINITELY HINGED ON THE ENDING OF THIS BOOK AND I WAS THRILLED WITH THE WAY IT ENDED!!
PREMISE: In this book we follow Ava Heartstraw a witch in Oz who has recently dicsovered her gift of magic. Owing to Oz's rules, she must now attend WOW, the West Oz Witches Academy to be educated. However, after the new students arrive they are made to show a sample of their 'Good' magic. Everyone does well, until Ava, emotional after being bullied by a meangirl and wanting to show her up, accidently allows her emotions to overide her sample of magic producing Wicked results.
On the spot the Dean declares she has no choice but to deem Ava's powers Wicked!
This means that Ava must now go to a 'pre-school' of sorts for Wicked Witches to learn to become good. But it was a mistake! Surely they will work that out! Right?.... Right?!
THOUGHTS: I loved this book, but I admit to having some concerning moments. In the first 3rd I really enjoyed getting to know Ava and to see her journey. However the 2nd/3rd felt a little muddled. Ava's motivations felt a little off and I felt like she was making all the wrong choices she could. Therefore everything really came down to the final 3rd and the way the book ended warranted 5 stars for me.
Will Taylor clearly loves the world of OZ and the theme of 'no place like home' played out really well. I do think I will continue on with this series given how it ended.
5 Stars!
xoxo.
PREMISE: In this book we follow Ava Heartstraw a witch in Oz who has recently dicsovered her gift of magic. Owing to Oz's rules, she must now attend WOW, the West Oz Witches Academy to be educated. However, after the new students arrive they are made to show a sample of their 'Good' magic. Everyone does well, until Ava, emotional after being bullied by a meangirl and wanting to show her up, accidently allows her emotions to overide her sample of magic producing Wicked results.
On the spot the Dean declares she has no choice but to deem Ava's powers Wicked!
This means that Ava must now go to a 'pre-school' of sorts for Wicked Witches to learn to become good. But it was a mistake! Surely they will work that out! Right?.... Right?!
THOUGHTS: I loved this book, but I admit to having some concerning moments. In the first 3rd I really enjoyed getting to know Ava and to see her journey. However the 2nd/3rd felt a little muddled. Ava's motivations felt a little off and I felt like she was making all the wrong choices she could. Therefore everything really came down to the final 3rd and the way the book ended warranted 5 stars for me.
Will Taylor clearly loves the world of OZ and the theme of 'no place like home' played out really well. I do think I will continue on with this series given how it ended.
5 Stars!
xoxo.
November 14, 2025
I was really excited for this book/series. It was a really cute idea.
BUT
It was a huge disappointment. Everything was fine until she actually got to Swickwit. When she found out the big secret that the Wicked school was actually a cool place, I was like "YES! I love it. This is amazing."
BUT
For the rest of the book is about her trying (then succeeding) to escape! She was ridiculed at WOW academy and now she wants to leave the school that accepts her, understands her, explains her powers to her, and can teach her so much about magic and what she is capable of? She wants to leave the one place she actually found friends? How does that make sense? She doesn't have a need of acceptance by anyone other than those who rejected her at some pompous school. If Swickwit was a horrible place, sure, I could see her wanting to escape.
BUT
That is not the case. There was NOTHING at Swickwit that was negative (other than Tinabella deciding not to be her friend anymore, but there are jerk kids in every school. Besides, she immediately gets 2 new friends to replace her). Why would you want to leave? WHY????
THEN
She escapes and gets EXACTLY what she wanted (to be enrolled in WOW and "accepted" by everyone there) only to decide, "Meh. I don't really like this place. I want to be at Swickwit." Within the first few HOURS of being at WOW!!!! What are you? 2 years old? You made the choices, Ava. Live with it.
This is seriously so stupid.
BUT
It was a huge disappointment. Everything was fine until she actually got to Swickwit. When she found out the big secret that the Wicked school was actually a cool place, I was like "YES! I love it. This is amazing."
BUT
For the rest of the book is about her trying (then succeeding) to escape! She was ridiculed at WOW academy and now she wants to leave the school that accepts her, understands her, explains her powers to her, and can teach her so much about magic and what she is capable of? She wants to leave the one place she actually found friends? How does that make sense? She doesn't have a need of acceptance by anyone other than those who rejected her at some pompous school. If Swickwit was a horrible place, sure, I could see her wanting to escape.
BUT
That is not the case. There was NOTHING at Swickwit that was negative (other than Tinabella deciding not to be her friend anymore, but there are jerk kids in every school. Besides, she immediately gets 2 new friends to replace her). Why would you want to leave? WHY????
THEN
She escapes and gets EXACTLY what she wanted (to be enrolled in WOW and "accepted" by everyone there) only to decide, "Meh. I don't really like this place. I want to be at Swickwit." Within the first few HOURS of being at WOW!!!! What are you? 2 years old? You made the choices, Ava. Live with it.
This is seriously so stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2024
I was provided an uncorrected proof through a giveaway here on Goodreads. This in no way effected my review of the book.
Things are not what they seem. Ava is one of 12 children living a hardscrabble life on the edge of the desert. But she has something her 11 siblings don't - a hint of magic. Ava leaves the only home she's ever known to join the West Oz Witch Academy. Unfortunately, while showing off her water magic everything goes wrong and she's sent for the school for wicked witches!
Ava, is determined that she can't be wicked and that she must get back to WOW.
The School for Wicked Witches borrows from The Wizard of Oz and Harry Potter but has its own sweet and lovely story that is well worth reading. Intended for ages 8-12, I would say that is spot on. As an adult I enjoyed it as did my daughter. Her one note was that there was a single spelling error ("luder" for "louder"). We are both looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Scholastic - please keep putting the series number on the spine! Love that little detail.
Things are not what they seem. Ava is one of 12 children living a hardscrabble life on the edge of the desert. But she has something her 11 siblings don't - a hint of magic. Ava leaves the only home she's ever known to join the West Oz Witch Academy. Unfortunately, while showing off her water magic everything goes wrong and she's sent for the school for wicked witches!
Ava, is determined that she can't be wicked and that she must get back to WOW.
The School for Wicked Witches borrows from The Wizard of Oz and Harry Potter but has its own sweet and lovely story that is well worth reading. Intended for ages 8-12, I would say that is spot on. As an adult I enjoyed it as did my daughter. Her one note was that there was a single spelling error ("luder" for "louder"). We are both looking forward to reading the next in the series.
Scholastic - please keep putting the series number on the spine! Love that little detail.
January 22, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ | A fun, magical read we loved sharing together
I read the first book in The School for Wicked Witches with my daughters over the summer, and they absolutely loved it. It was a fun, fast-moving story that held their attention and sparked lots of excitement about witches, magic, and the idea that “wicked” doesn’t always mean what you think it does.
The timing couldn’t have been better—right now they’re completely obsessed with Wicked and The Wizard of Oz, so this felt like a perfect companion read. The world is playful and imaginative without being scary, and it opens the door to great conversations about identity, choices, and expectations.
As a read-aloud, it really shines. The chapters are manageable, the tone is light, and it’s easy to pause and talk about what’s happening. Most importantly, it was a genuinely enjoyable shared experience.
A great pick for kids who love magic, witches, and Oz-adjacent stories—and for parents looking for a fun book to read together.
I read the first book in The School for Wicked Witches with my daughters over the summer, and they absolutely loved it. It was a fun, fast-moving story that held their attention and sparked lots of excitement about witches, magic, and the idea that “wicked” doesn’t always mean what you think it does.
The timing couldn’t have been better—right now they’re completely obsessed with Wicked and The Wizard of Oz, so this felt like a perfect companion read. The world is playful and imaginative without being scary, and it opens the door to great conversations about identity, choices, and expectations.
As a read-aloud, it really shines. The chapters are manageable, the tone is light, and it’s easy to pause and talk about what’s happening. Most importantly, it was a genuinely enjoyable shared experience.
A great pick for kids who love magic, witches, and Oz-adjacent stories—and for parents looking for a fun book to read together.
October 7, 2024
One thing Will Taylor is going to do is STEAL MY HEART every time !!!!!!
Such a fun, fast pace fantasy. Great for younger fantasy readers. I had a blast reading this with my lil’ bestie Maddie and getting all her excited feedback while we experienced the magic of the book together !
The FMC, Ava was so excited to get an invitation to attend the West Oz Witch Academy. An incident occurs causing her to be set to the school for Wicked Witches ! Where Witches are not allowed to leave until there are no longer wicked. Ava truly believed she was not wicked , nor did she belong there. She was determined and ambitious to get back to West Oz. So her quest began!
Seeing found family, and friendships form was so well done in this book was beautiful. I feel like it was so realistic for this day and age especially for kids who are struggling with friendships!
Would highly recommend to all ages. This was such a fun quick read, great way to start off fall and the spooky season🖤👻🧙🏼🪄
Such a fun, fast pace fantasy. Great for younger fantasy readers. I had a blast reading this with my lil’ bestie Maddie and getting all her excited feedback while we experienced the magic of the book together !
The FMC, Ava was so excited to get an invitation to attend the West Oz Witch Academy. An incident occurs causing her to be set to the school for Wicked Witches ! Where Witches are not allowed to leave until there are no longer wicked. Ava truly believed she was not wicked , nor did she belong there. She was determined and ambitious to get back to West Oz. So her quest began!
Seeing found family, and friendships form was so well done in this book was beautiful. I feel like it was so realistic for this day and age especially for kids who are struggling with friendships!
Would highly recommend to all ages. This was such a fun quick read, great way to start off fall and the spooky season🖤👻🧙🏼🪄
December 8, 2025
This book is about a young witch named Ava who is from the Desert who is sent to the West Oz Witch Academy for her magic training. She is given a test to show her magic in front of the class and she accidentally does an evil spell which almost becomes uncontrollable. The Dean of Students sends her to a school for Wicked Witches. It's like Hogwarts and there is a first level is called Nettle which lasts for 1 year, then the second level is called Cobweb and lasts for 3 years, the third level is called Cauldron and lasts for 4 years, and the fourth level is called Broom and continues to graduation. In other words it's a long time. Ava goes to classes with Professor Mulch and of course she also makes herself at home in her dormitory with her roommate Tinabella. Then the book turns to the two girls exploring the school together as they look for a secret passageway so they can escape.
July 20, 2024
I recieved a free eARC of this book. Thank you for the opportunity to read it.
"Are people born wicked, or is wickedness thrust upon them?" (Glinda, "Wicked" the musical)
This book takes us to Oz, with a focus character who's magic is deemed "wicked". But Ava's not wicked, right?
This is an enjoyable book, very obviously a debut for a new series, that will appeal to kids who love other wizarding school novels. The Oz setting is familiar (and does a lot of world building work) without being overpowering. The characters are flawed, but it's easy to empathize with them. I think kids will LOVE this book, and I'm looking forward to more from this author.
Well done!
"Are people born wicked, or is wickedness thrust upon them?" (Glinda, "Wicked" the musical)
This book takes us to Oz, with a focus character who's magic is deemed "wicked". But Ava's not wicked, right?
This is an enjoyable book, very obviously a debut for a new series, that will appeal to kids who love other wizarding school novels. The Oz setting is familiar (and does a lot of world building work) without being overpowering. The characters are flawed, but it's easy to empathize with them. I think kids will LOVE this book, and I'm looking forward to more from this author.
Well done!
October 22, 2024
A fun, new take on the magic school trope. I like the way that we get to explore Oz from another perspective. It’s also interesting to see the parallels that the author creates between the original story and this one. I like Ava as a character and she’s very easy to root for. The reader can see what’s actually right for her and can only hope that she’ll eventually reach the same conclusions. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and think it could be a good introduction to Oz for younger readers who may not be familiar with it yet.
Note: I received a finished copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I received a finished copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2025
A book about a school for witches that is set in Oz?
Sold.
I was locked in.
But sadly it fell flat for me in so many ways.
I did like the magic in the book-it was cute and fun and I wanted more. The schools that Ava went to sounded like a fun place I would teach in. But the whole escaping from one school to get to another, and then meeting a very wicked witch who went to the same wicked school who wanted to see them again after they made a deal with her, to a boy who has bone fire magic who can glow like he's ghost rider...
I was expecting more from this book, even though it is a middle grade, but it felt like it was lacking something and I couldn't put my finger on it. Maybe if I read the second one it'll be better and much more fun, because now she wants to leave the WOW school and go back to the other school, which in my mind doesn't make any sense, but the more I think about it, it might just make sense after all.
Sold.
I was locked in.
But sadly it fell flat for me in so many ways.
I did like the magic in the book-it was cute and fun and I wanted more. The schools that Ava went to sounded like a fun place I would teach in. But the whole escaping from one school to get to another, and then meeting a very wicked witch who went to the same wicked school who wanted to see them again after they made a deal with her, to a boy who has bone fire magic who can glow like he's ghost rider...
I was expecting more from this book, even though it is a middle grade, but it felt like it was lacking something and I couldn't put my finger on it. Maybe if I read the second one it'll be better and much more fun, because now she wants to leave the WOW school and go back to the other school, which in my mind doesn't make any sense, but the more I think about it, it might just make sense after all.
November 23, 2025
“I finally made it,” says Ava while lying on her bed “Now how do I get back to Swickwit.” This is Ava’s thought at the very end of the book, the most shocking line out of them all because Ava worked so hard to get from Swickwit to West Oz Witches, or WOW academy.Even though it is very shocking I think I have to take back that it was most shocking because there is one event that is way more shocking and that is when Ava and her friend Crow (who is human) find out that their short friend Henry Buffle is actually the prince of the land of giants and he got cursed as a baby when he was born and became human sized.
March 13, 2025
It was cute for a first book. From the beginning I knew that Dean Waterwash at the West Oz Academy wasn't a good person even though she was in charge on the "good" witches. I felt like Ava was a bit slow when it came to determining what was good and wicked. It was obvious that she belonged at the wicked school, but she couldn't get pass going to the other one. Once Ava, Crow, and Henry escaped from the wicked school they thought investigating a noise they heard was appropriate. Clearly none of them have survival instincts.
May 18, 2025
It started strong with the creative description of a magic school system set in the familiar land of Oz. The world-building was great and had fresh ideas that kept the story intriguing. I was genuinely invested in Ava's story until the book lost the plot 3/4 in, and I skipped to the last chapter to see that the ending was exactly what I had expected. I'm disappointed that I began the book thinking I had found a great new middle grade series and ended feeling relieved to give it back to the library.
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