Over the Rainbow Books

L. Frank Baum, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900)

This book, sometimes tagged as the "first American fairy tale," is now available in a 100th anniversary edition. After the success of the first book, Baum wrote 14 Oz books in total, all still great for child-level reading. The series was continued after his death to include a total of 40 books.

Gerald Clarke, Get Happy: The Life of Judy Garland (2000)

This middle-of-the-road biography was popular enough that it was announced to be made into a biopic.

John Fricke, et. al., The Wizard of Oz (1990)

Fricke is considered the pre-eminent historian and writer on the topic of the film—his writing is even noted on the official film website. This illustrated book should be a fun read for anyone interested in this movie's long history.

John Fricke, Judy Garland: A Portrait In Art and Anecdote (2003)

This tribute to Garland in hardback will satisfy fans while avoiding any new revelations about her life. Good for your coffee table, but not your research project.

Lorna Luft, Me and My Shadows: A Family Portrait (1999)

Judy Garland's less-famous daughter (her other daughter is Liza Minelli) comes out to tell her family story from her own perspective. Luft is a successful performer in her own right, but has never gained the name recognition her half-sister has. By most accounts, this is a good read.