A New Journey Begins Down the Yellow Brick Road

More than 125 years ago, L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz introduced readers to a timeless story of courage, friendship, hope, and the discovery that the qualities people seek are often already within them. The literary masterpiece has inspired generations around the world and continues to capture the hearts of children and adults alike.

Now, author, entrepreneur, and educational innovator Shannon Elizabeth Johnson, founder of Hooked on the Wizard®, announces the release of Hooked on the Wizard of Oz. Inspired by Baum’s beloved classic, this original literary adventure tells an entirely new story for today’s generation.

Rather than retelling a familiar tale, Hooked on the Wizard of Oz invites readers on a fresh journey filled with memorable new characters, original music, uplifting humor, and meaningful life lessons. Throughout the story, readers encounter themes of courage, kindness, creativity, resilience, compassion, and the confidence to pursue their dreams.

Readers, parents, grandparents, teachers, librarians, school leaders, homeschool families, and lifelong lovers of Oz are invited to celebrate the official release during the free Hooked on the Wizard of Oz Book Launch Zoom Party. The online celebration will take place Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. EDT.

Complimentary seats can be reserved at HookedOnBookLaunch.com.

An Extraordinary Cast Brings a New Oz Adventure to Life

One of the most exciting aspects of the Hooked on the Wizard of Oz audiobook is its remarkable cast.

Featured as the Modern Day Wizard is New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and mindset expert John Assaraf. Through his work, Assaraf has encouraged people around the world to recognize their potential and create meaningful change in their lives. His portrayal brings wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration to one of literature’s most recognizable characters.

Joining him is internationally acclaimed ventriloquist Ana Maria Mărgean, whose extraordinary talent has inspired audiences across the globe.

Ana Maria first captured widespread attention when she won Romania’s Got Talent in 2020. She later became a finalist on America’s Got Talent: All Stars, competing alongside accomplished performers from across the international Got Talent franchise.

Judge Howie Mandel praised Ana Maria’s accomplishment and recognized the significance of competing at such an elite level while performing in English, her second language.

For Ana Maria, the project also carries personal meaning. For years, she imagined herself becoming a modern day Dorothy, a courageous young girl setting out on an unforgettable adventure with her beloved dog. Through Hooked on the Wizard of Oz, that dream has become a reality.

Ana Maria stars as the story’s courageous heroine, inviting readers to follow a new Yellow Brick Road filled with imagination, friendship, perseverance, compassion, and the enduring belief that dreams can come true.

More Than a Book, a Growing Educational Movement

While inspired by L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the new book establishes its own characters, story, and purpose. It also serves as the cornerstone of a growing educational movement.

The story provides the foundation for the upcoming CourAgeOUS Curriculum, an educational initiative that combines literature, storytelling, music, puppetry, ventriloquism, creativity, character education, and social and emotional learning. These elements are designed to create engaging classroom experiences for students from kindergarten through high school.

Teachers, principals, assistant principals, curriculum directors, school counselors, librarians, homeschool educators, parent organization leaders, after school organizations, children’s hospitals, youth organizations, parents, and grandparents are encouraged to attend the launch celebration. During the event, they can learn how the initiative aims to support literacy, strengthen confidence, encourage creativity, and help children recognize the gifts they already possess.

Whether the story is shared in a classroom, library, homeschool environment, hospital, or around the family dinner table, its central vision remains simple. Courage, kindness, creativity, and perseverance are not merely lessons to read about. They are qualities children can practice and carry into their everyday lives.

A Mission to Inspire Children and Support the Arts

Guests attending the online celebration will hear stories about the creation of the book and audiobook, meet featured cast members, enjoy original music and inspirational messages, and receive a preview of the expanding Hooked on the Wizard® ecosystem.

That ecosystem is expected to include educational resources, digital tools, future books, and opportunities for schools, educators, families, and organizations to participate in courage centered education.

The event also celebrates a mission close to Johnson’s heart: Overfund the Arts.

Through books, education, technology, music, strategic partnerships, and imaginative learning experiences, Hooked on the Wizard® is building an ecosystem intended to encourage children while creating meaningful opportunities for educators, artists, performers, schools, and communities worldwide.

Whether readers grew up with L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, enjoyed generations of Oz inspired adaptations, or are introducing the literary classic to their children or grandchildren for the first time, Hooked on the Wizard of Oz offers a new adventure with a familiar truth at its heart. Courage begins when people learn to believe in themselves.

The Yellow Brick Road has never simply been about reaching the Emerald City. It has always been about discovering who people become along the journey.

Now, a new generation is ready to begin that journey.

Begin the Journey With Hooked on the Wizard of Oz

The free Hooked on the Wizard of Oz Book Launch Zoom Party will take place Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. EDT. Families, educators, librarians, and Oz enthusiasts can reserve a complimentary seat at HookedOnZoom.com.

Learn more about the book at HookedOnTheWizardOfOz.com and explore its educational vision at HookedOnCourageCourse.com.

For media interviews, speaking engagements, school visits, and educational partnerships with Shannon Elizabeth Johnson, visit HookedOnAuthor.com.