L. Frank Baum, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, 1900.

Here I present: L. Frank Baum, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, 1900 which was a “soft” science-fiction for the young readers.

SUMMARY 

The protagonist is Dorothy, a girl that lives with Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, on a Kansas farm. “Soft” science-fiction because of Neurology (soft science, like Psychology) gives a plotted-storyline. Dorothy is in a “tornado” and bumps her head. The story now “changes” direction, Dorothy and her dog Toto are thrown by the tornado to Munchkin Country of the Land of Oz. The flight to the Land of Oz sends Dorothy’s house intact to Oz along with dog Toto. In the Land of Oz, we have the travelogue of “dream-like” characters: a Tin-man, a Scarecrow, and a Cowardly Lion. Dorothy’s dreamy travelogue includes witches (the Wicked Witch of the West, flies on broom-sticks), and trip down the Yellow Brick Road to visit a Wizard. Dorothy’s travels to the Wizard of Oz is to find out how to return home to Kansas. While, the Wizard of Oz is no help to Dorothy; the Good Witch tells Dorothy just make a “wish” on your “Silver Slipper’s” to get back home. Finally, Dorothy is back home in Kansas in bed with a bump on her head. Dorothy is being cared for by Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, with the dream-story now over. L. Frank Baum, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, 1900 was adapted to a “TechniColor” film by MGM in 1939. MGM used “Ruby Slippers” in the film for presenting the new “color films” technology for the first time. The “TechniColor” film used and Judy Garland as Dorothy, made the film as popular as the book (over 3 million copies sold).  Yes, “soft” science- fiction usually has a female protagonist, and psychology and neurology worked well here.

Here I presented: L. Frank Baum, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, 1900 which was a “soft” science-fiction for the young readers.

J. K. Rowling, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone“, 1996 was a novel I recommend.

 Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by British author  J. K. Rowling.

The novels chronicle the lives of a young wizard (protagonist) Harry Potter; and, his best-friend (foil character) Ron Weasley

Hermione Granger, is a classmate of  Harry & Ron; and, all three (3) characters (Harry, Ron & Hermione) are students at Hogwarts School. The setting of the novel is Hogwarts Witchcraft & Wizardry School.  The distinction between SciFi and Fantasy is irrelevant here in this book targeted to the young readers.

 “The Wizard of Oz” is not fantasy; but, the setting of the story is the dreams (soft science) of Dorothy.  The plot of the “Wizard of Oz” is wizardry. 

I recommend you read both: L. Frank Baum, “The Wizard of Oz”, 1909; and, J. K. Rowling, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”, 1996.   “Magical realism” is a true part of SciFi, which the “Harry Potter” characters evoke.