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The Wicked Years #0.25
Galinda: A Charmed Childhood
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26Win a free print copy of this book!
6 days and 21:56:17
50 copies available
U.S. only
In this sister volume to Elphie, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Wicked Gregory Maguire shares the eagerly awaited origin story of Galinda, the pink-clad, effervescent, and popular favorite character.
Who was Glinda the Good Witch before she floated down in her bubble to greet Dorothy? Who was Glinda before she became Elphaba Thropp’s magnetic and popular roommate at Shiz University?
Well, before then, she was Galinda. With a “ga.”
The youngest of four children in a high-born family down on their luck, Galinda is both pampered and ignored. Her natural grace promises to elevate her in the district dance competitions—but these efforts distract her from seeing the growing resentments of local merchants who disapprove of her family’s business strategies. Enmired in the self-satisfactions and unnamed timidities of childhood, Galinda finds in herself neither canniness nor the need to cultivate it. However, as her father deftly pivots around the snares and nets laid for him by his competitors, Galinda begins to dance toward a life that might lift her above her proud, if hardscrabble, childhood.
Galinda reveals the girl behind the bubbly, shallow cliché—offering fans of Wicked their first richer glimpse into the life of a beloved and iconic character.
Who was Glinda the Good Witch before she floated down in her bubble to greet Dorothy? Who was Glinda before she became Elphaba Thropp’s magnetic and popular roommate at Shiz University?
Well, before then, she was Galinda. With a “ga.”
The youngest of four children in a high-born family down on their luck, Galinda is both pampered and ignored. Her natural grace promises to elevate her in the district dance competitions—but these efforts distract her from seeing the growing resentments of local merchants who disapprove of her family’s business strategies. Enmired in the self-satisfactions and unnamed timidities of childhood, Galinda finds in herself neither canniness nor the need to cultivate it. However, as her father deftly pivots around the snares and nets laid for him by his competitors, Galinda begins to dance toward a life that might lift her above her proud, if hardscrabble, childhood.
Galinda reveals the girl behind the bubbly, shallow cliché—offering fans of Wicked their first richer glimpse into the life of a beloved and iconic character.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 29, 2026
About the author
Gregory Maguire
105 books9,301 followersGregory Maguire is an American author, whose novels are revisionist retellings of children's stories (such as L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz into Wicked). He received his Ph.D. in English and American Literature from Tufts University, and his B.A. from the State University of New York at Albany. He was a professor and co-director at the Simmons College Center for the Study of Children's Literature from 1979-1985. In 1987 he co-founded Children's Literature New England (a non-profit educational charity).
Maguire has served as artist-in-residence at the Blue Mountain Center, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Hambidge Center. He lives in Concord, Massachusetts.
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April 30, 2026✨𝓪𝓻𝓬 𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓬𝓮𝓶𝓮𝓷𝓽✨
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Elphie: A Wicked Childhood
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Elphie: A Wicked Childhood
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank goodness to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Gregory Maguire for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
4/5⭐️🫧💕
If Galinda Upland (of the upper Uplands) has 0 fans, I'm dead.
Galinda (A Charmed Childhood) is a prequel to The Wicked Years series, following the first prequel, Elphie. The story follows Galinda's upbringing, her parents, brothers, and the events that happen that shape Galinda into the character we all know and love. The events of the book lead up to when we first meet Galinda at Shiz, in the first book of the series.
This prequel creates a good basis for the start of her character. Showing how her upbringing, her family, her tutors, her dance teacher, the townsfolk, her circumstances, all play into building the mindset she's known for having. She is naïve and easily influenced by those around her, which never really changed for her until Shiz, and I believe that's very well captured in this story.
I think it's important going into these books to remember that the movies are very loosely based on these books. This book is not about pink dresses and floating bubbles, but it was a wonderful addition to the book series. It has the satirical humor and wordplay that Gregory Maguire is known for, and of which I'm a fan of. The brother's names and her cat's names had me laughing!
This is still a Gregory Maguire book, so keep in mind there's defiantly still scenes in this book that may leave you disgusticified, as Galinda might say.
If you're a fan of Wicked (movies, musical, or book series!!) hopefully you'll enjoy this as much as I did!
4/5⭐️🫧💕
If Galinda Upland (of the upper Uplands) has 0 fans, I'm dead.
Galinda (A Charmed Childhood) is a prequel to The Wicked Years series, following the first prequel, Elphie. The story follows Galinda's upbringing, her parents, brothers, and the events that happen that shape Galinda into the character we all know and love. The events of the book lead up to when we first meet Galinda at Shiz, in the first book of the series.
This prequel creates a good basis for the start of her character. Showing how her upbringing, her family, her tutors, her dance teacher, the townsfolk, her circumstances, all play into building the mindset she's known for having. She is naïve and easily influenced by those around her, which never really changed for her until Shiz, and I believe that's very well captured in this story.
I think it's important going into these books to remember that the movies are very loosely based on these books. This book is not about pink dresses and floating bubbles, but it was a wonderful addition to the book series. It has the satirical humor and wordplay that Gregory Maguire is known for, and of which I'm a fan of. The brother's names and her cat's names had me laughing!
This is still a Gregory Maguire book, so keep in mind there's defiantly still scenes in this book that may leave you disgusticified, as Galinda might say.
If you're a fan of Wicked (movies, musical, or book series!!) hopefully you'll enjoy this as much as I did!
May 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow Books for an ARC of Galinda in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions that follow are my own.
"The Uplands-the matrilineal name- had been superior folk before that pair of seismic disasters singled them out for ruin."
Galinda: A Chamed Childhood follows the popular, pink-clad character before she became Elphaba's friend and before she ever met Dorothy. Galinda is the youngest of four children and is obessed with placing first in the district dance competition so that she can escape her rundown home and visit the city of Shiz and possibly be crowned the Princess Tiara (the highest honor in dance).
I was so excited to read this book and of course, Gregory Maguire did not disappoint. It was so fun to see the origins of Galinda and see that her bossy, princess attitude stemmed all the way from her childhood and her desperation for her parents to notice and appreciate her. I was also super interested in the storyline surrounding Galinda's father and how those events shaped her view of the world around her. Galinda is actually super smart but nobody gives her any credit, especially when she decides she really wants to attend school. Her parents try all manner of tutors and governesses to get the idea out of her mind but she stood firm. My favorite part of the book was probably at the very end because of the masterful lineup of the end of Galinda and where we see her in Wicked. The transition was absolutely seamless.
Overall, if you love Wicked or are a fan of Glinda and want to see her origins, definitely give this one a read! 4/5 stars!
"The Uplands-the matrilineal name- had been superior folk before that pair of seismic disasters singled them out for ruin."
Galinda: A Chamed Childhood follows the popular, pink-clad character before she became Elphaba's friend and before she ever met Dorothy. Galinda is the youngest of four children and is obessed with placing first in the district dance competition so that she can escape her rundown home and visit the city of Shiz and possibly be crowned the Princess Tiara (the highest honor in dance).
I was so excited to read this book and of course, Gregory Maguire did not disappoint. It was so fun to see the origins of Galinda and see that her bossy, princess attitude stemmed all the way from her childhood and her desperation for her parents to notice and appreciate her. I was also super interested in the storyline surrounding Galinda's father and how those events shaped her view of the world around her. Galinda is actually super smart but nobody gives her any credit, especially when she decides she really wants to attend school. Her parents try all manner of tutors and governesses to get the idea out of her mind but she stood firm. My favorite part of the book was probably at the very end because of the masterful lineup of the end of Galinda and where we see her in Wicked. The transition was absolutely seamless.
Overall, if you love Wicked or are a fan of Glinda and want to see her origins, definitely give this one a read! 4/5 stars!
May 10, 2026
Oh, Gregory. This is exactly the book I wanted, after Wicked and Elphie.
I love the Wicked musical and I love the books that it was born from (however loosely, let’s be honest). Really, anything Gregory Maguire writes is very in my wheelhouse. Once Elphie came out promising and delivering a glimpse into these star crossed friends beginnings, I waited (im)patiently for the next one, sure to come, on our spoiled but ultimately sweet little pink confection, Galinda.
This book delivered. It was everything I wanted it to be. Of course, Galinda came from money, being the only girl and doted upon, but as expected, it goes deeper than that here. A family in ruin with more secrets than sense, a young girl who is the family princess but generally ignored, who learns to use her poise and attitude to her advantage, while also watching her family members use various means of power or threats and coercion to theirs. It shows very clearly how we end up with the Galinda that we meet in Wicked, but more importantly, makes you think about why women need to do these things in the first place.
If you love the Wicked universe, you will love this book. It is a fantastic addition to the world and an interesting read from start to finish.
I love the Wicked musical and I love the books that it was born from (however loosely, let’s be honest). Really, anything Gregory Maguire writes is very in my wheelhouse. Once Elphie came out promising and delivering a glimpse into these star crossed friends beginnings, I waited (im)patiently for the next one, sure to come, on our spoiled but ultimately sweet little pink confection, Galinda.
This book delivered. It was everything I wanted it to be. Of course, Galinda came from money, being the only girl and doted upon, but as expected, it goes deeper than that here. A family in ruin with more secrets than sense, a young girl who is the family princess but generally ignored, who learns to use her poise and attitude to her advantage, while also watching her family members use various means of power or threats and coercion to theirs. It shows very clearly how we end up with the Galinda that we meet in Wicked, but more importantly, makes you think about why women need to do these things in the first place.
If you love the Wicked universe, you will love this book. It is a fantastic addition to the world and an interesting read from start to finish.
May 11, 2026
How did Galinda the Good become who she ultimately became?
Instead of growing into the person that others wanted, expected or told her to be...she EXPLORED!
To feel needed, wanted, pretty and yes, even popular was a huge undertaking that this witch wasn't exactly sure how to bring about, and yet, she did it anyway.
In following her path from a little girl with her family, to seeing where she grew up, and watching her dealings with others around her we got a glimpse into her outstanding journey toward self. We got to see how one small pebble at a time added to even bigger ripples, more growth, and a greater understanding of exactly who she was, and even beyond that, who she actually wanted to be.
From the classic 1939 Wizard of Oz, and even through the telling of Wicked, we saw Galinda and never got a sense of her backstory. Discovering why she was the way she was, and really understanding the ways in which she got there.
I found myself rooting for her, and hoping that some easter eggs perhaps would drop that might have drawn that parallel with the other tellings we already knew and loved to really hammer home the whole adage of if A than B.
I would love to know beyond Wicked, where does Galinda's story take her, and by what means does she get there?
Galinda might not have always had the power like she told Dorothy, but she sure did manage to find it in the end.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC copy of this book.
Instead of growing into the person that others wanted, expected or told her to be...she EXPLORED!
To feel needed, wanted, pretty and yes, even popular was a huge undertaking that this witch wasn't exactly sure how to bring about, and yet, she did it anyway.
In following her path from a little girl with her family, to seeing where she grew up, and watching her dealings with others around her we got a glimpse into her outstanding journey toward self. We got to see how one small pebble at a time added to even bigger ripples, more growth, and a greater understanding of exactly who she was, and even beyond that, who she actually wanted to be.
From the classic 1939 Wizard of Oz, and even through the telling of Wicked, we saw Galinda and never got a sense of her backstory. Discovering why she was the way she was, and really understanding the ways in which she got there.
I found myself rooting for her, and hoping that some easter eggs perhaps would drop that might have drawn that parallel with the other tellings we already knew and loved to really hammer home the whole adage of if A than B.
I would love to know beyond Wicked, where does Galinda's story take her, and by what means does she get there?
Galinda might not have always had the power like she told Dorothy, but she sure did manage to find it in the end.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
For anyone who has read Gregory Maguire's The Wicked Years and followed it up with the recent prequel, Elphie, this second prequel is an absolute must. But, this entry into the Wicked-verse may also work as a stand-alone for those who have seen the recent movies and want to read more about the book's titular character, you know the one who is (checks lyrics of "Loathing") Blond. In Galinda: A Charmed Childhood, we find out just where all that "charm" came from before arriving at Shiz, glimpses of her Momsie and Popsical and her three porcine brothers, and the start of her very particular filter for seeing the world. The book was a fun, quick read that is both true to the young Glinda's voice and the author's slightly dry humor.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, William Morrow) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, William Morrow) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Overall, this was such a fun read!
Despite being a Wicked fan, I had no idea that there were newer books about Elphaba and Galinda out there! (I will definitely be reading Elphie next!) So it was such a surprise to find on NetGalley, and I’m so glad I found it!
It was really fun to see where Galinda (with a ga) came from before the events of Wicked! I’ve always liked her as a character, but it really did offer a new perspective that I enjoyed. Seeing Galinda as a younger sibling, and as a competitive dancer, was entertaining for sure. And the writing was as whimsical as I expected it to be.
If you are a fan of Wicked, I would definitely give this story a shot. I certainly found it to be an enjoyable read!
Thank you so much to William Morrow and NetGalley for allowing me to read the eARC!
Despite being a Wicked fan, I had no idea that there were newer books about Elphaba and Galinda out there! (I will definitely be reading Elphie next!) So it was such a surprise to find on NetGalley, and I’m so glad I found it!
It was really fun to see where Galinda (with a ga) came from before the events of Wicked! I’ve always liked her as a character, but it really did offer a new perspective that I enjoyed. Seeing Galinda as a younger sibling, and as a competitive dancer, was entertaining for sure. And the writing was as whimsical as I expected it to be.
If you are a fan of Wicked, I would definitely give this story a shot. I certainly found it to be an enjoyable read!
Thank you so much to William Morrow and NetGalley for allowing me to read the eARC!
Review of advance copy
I truly loved reading another take on one of Oz's most iconic figures.
I must say, the only reason this isn't a five stars for me is because I recently read GLINDA: The GOOD Witch by R.W. Adams and I felt it encapsulated the character completely for me. I found myself comparing and I just enjoyed the worldbuilding, story, heart and magic of it much better.
But... this story is WONDERFUL in its own way.
Where it shines is the unexpected humour and how it seamlessly weaves into Wicked and Elphie: A Wicked Childhood, I loved reading another take on Glinda's upbringing and siblings, and I loved getting a better understanding on Maguire's specific take on Glinda.
Will I recommend people to read this? Absolutely yes! I feel If you're a fan of the Wicked books you will absolutely enjoy getting to re-enter Maguire's grim Oz but with a new lense on a sidelined, yet iconic character.
I must say, the only reason this isn't a five stars for me is because I recently read GLINDA: The GOOD Witch by R.W. Adams and I felt it encapsulated the character completely for me. I found myself comparing and I just enjoyed the worldbuilding, story, heart and magic of it much better.
But... this story is WONDERFUL in its own way.
Where it shines is the unexpected humour and how it seamlessly weaves into Wicked and Elphie: A Wicked Childhood, I loved reading another take on Glinda's upbringing and siblings, and I loved getting a better understanding on Maguire's specific take on Glinda.
Will I recommend people to read this? Absolutely yes! I feel If you're a fan of the Wicked books you will absolutely enjoy getting to re-enter Maguire's grim Oz but with a new lense on a sidelined, yet iconic character.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Gregory Maguire takes us even deeper into the past of this incredible character.
Galinda “a charmed childhood“ is definitely an oxymoron!! While reading the Wicked series we’re under the belief that Galinda was very privileged. This book definitely changes that perception completely.
Much like Elphies book there’s a concentration on Galinda‘s father that is off putting at times but part of her growing up.. Sometimes knowing the whole story makes you understand why Galinda behaves the way she does at Shiz!.
I do highly recommend this for those who love the series and in the end, this gives us exactly what Wicked fans want – – MORE!!!
Thank you William Morrow HarperCollins Publishers for the ARC!
Galinda “a charmed childhood“ is definitely an oxymoron!! While reading the Wicked series we’re under the belief that Galinda was very privileged. This book definitely changes that perception completely.
Much like Elphies book there’s a concentration on Galinda‘s father that is off putting at times but part of her growing up.. Sometimes knowing the whole story makes you understand why Galinda behaves the way she does at Shiz!.
I do highly recommend this for those who love the series and in the end, this gives us exactly what Wicked fans want – – MORE!!!
Thank you William Morrow HarperCollins Publishers for the ARC!
May 14, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley and William Morrow for sending this eARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
I didn’t realize how much I needed the origin story of Galinda until I read this book!!!! Taking place in her early childhood and leading up to the moment she enters Shiz University you’ll learn exactly how Galinda became the iconic bubbly pink popular girl we came to know at Shiz. Her story will definitely tug on your heart strings and give you a deeper understanding of her future choices. The book was very well written and kept you engaged and immersed in the complicated world Galinda grew up in. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed The Wicked Years series or the Wicked movie or Broadway production!!!! 🎀🫧🪞🩰
I didn’t realize how much I needed the origin story of Galinda until I read this book!!!! Taking place in her early childhood and leading up to the moment she enters Shiz University you’ll learn exactly how Galinda became the iconic bubbly pink popular girl we came to know at Shiz. Her story will definitely tug on your heart strings and give you a deeper understanding of her future choices. The book was very well written and kept you engaged and immersed in the complicated world Galinda grew up in. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed The Wicked Years series or the Wicked movie or Broadway production!!!! 🎀🫧🪞🩰
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was so thankful to get to read this through netgalley.
I have been obsessed with wicked since high school, and a few (many) years later I still love seeing new things come out involving wicked.
I have absolutely always wondered what their lives were prior to wicked and how they became who they are.
I was not disappointed at all to read the story behind Galinda's childhood. I can truly say that I did not expect to find out some of the stuff involving her life and growing up. The nicknames for her brothers also had me laughing a bit.
I truly loved this book and am so grateful I got to read it.
I have been obsessed with wicked since high school, and a few (many) years later I still love seeing new things come out involving wicked.
I have absolutely always wondered what their lives were prior to wicked and how they became who they are.
I was not disappointed at all to read the story behind Galinda's childhood. I can truly say that I did not expect to find out some of the stuff involving her life and growing up. The nicknames for her brothers also had me laughing a bit.
I truly loved this book and am so grateful I got to read it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
**Galinda by Gregory Maguire** was an interesting dive into the backstory of such a beloved character. I appreciated getting more context around Galinda and how she became who she is — it adds a new layer if you’re already familiar with her story.
That said, it felt pretty light on plot. It’s much more focused on character and background than forward momentum, and at times I found myself wanting a bit more to actually happen.
Overall, a cool concept and worth it for fans of the character, but not the most engaging in terms of story progression. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC.
**Galinda by Gregory Maguire** was an interesting dive into the backstory of such a beloved character. I appreciated getting more context around Galinda and how she became who she is — it adds a new layer if you’re already familiar with her story.
That said, it felt pretty light on plot. It’s much more focused on character and background than forward momentum, and at times I found myself wanting a bit more to actually happen.
Overall, a cool concept and worth it for fans of the character, but not the most engaging in terms of story progression. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Glinda: A Charmed Childhood was a fun stand-alone prequel dedicated to Glinda’s backstory. The writing is true to Gregory Maguire’s usual style, and the plot is entertaining. Overall, I greatly enjoyed examining Glinda's past and gaining insight into how her family and childhood experiences influenced her to become the Glinda we meet at Shiz University. If you’re a fan of “Wicked” or Glinda, I highly recommend this book!
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and William Morrow for the arc of this book. Galinda: A Charmed Childhood is the prequel to the Wicked Years Series. The second I started this book, I was very nostalgic for when I read the Wicked Years. This book is an absolute must read if you enjoyed the previous book by Gregory Maguire. Also this book can be read as a stand alone or a start to reading this universe. This book was a quick fun read that gives the childhood of Galinda.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A MUST-READ for fans of Wicked! ❤️😍 I already want to read it a second time.
Galinda (Deluxe Limited Edition) is beautiful, fantastic, and as a fan, I absolutely loved her story. We learn about her childhood upbringing before Shiz. Very enjoyable, entertaining and a heartfelt story.
Thank you William Morrow, Gregory Maguire, and Netgalley for the ARC.
Read on release date 09/29/2026 and let's talk about this!
Galinda (Deluxe Limited Edition) is beautiful, fantastic, and as a fan, I absolutely loved her story. We learn about her childhood upbringing before Shiz. Very enjoyable, entertaining and a heartfelt story.
Thank you William Morrow, Gregory Maguire, and Netgalley for the ARC.
Read on release date 09/29/2026 and let's talk about this!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Definitely a must read when it is released! It was nice to read the backstory of Galinda and how she ended up at Shiz. She was determined to learn and go to school even when her parents didn’t think she could do it. She is headstrong and very brave. Her parents were very complex characters as well and her siblings loved her very much. Even though her Mom expressed her reasoning of sending her to Shiz as “safety reasons”, I think she really didn’t want her to become like her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Really this one was 2.5 stars. I liked it better than Elphie, but only just. This story was okay, but unremarkable in a way that doesn’t feel true to Galinda’s character. It’s been awhile since I read the original Wicked, but I do think there are a few things in this one that are contradicted by the original story.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I always wished for a book all about Galinda and now here it is ! Thank you NetGalley for the E-ARC I’m so grateful for the opportunity. I loved how it gives us more of a look on galinda’s life growing up and how she was able to get into Shiz. Learned so much about her life and family! Loved every moment
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As a big Wicked fan, I really loved the story of Galinda and it’s really beautiful. This is a perfect book for any wicked fan out there that wants to read it. The background history made sense to me because I really wanted to know about Galinda’s past. I hope we get wicked 3 movie😭🙏🙏🙏.
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