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Why did The Wonderful Wizard of Oz become popular with readers in 1900?

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The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) achieved immediate popularity as a best seller for several key reasons:

Novelty and Setting: It was recognized as a successful, modern American fairy tale, offering a fresh, distinctly American setting that contrasted with traditional European stories.12
Engaging Characters: Readers were captivated by the "prairie freshness" of the story and the simple, lovable characterizations of Dorothy and her companions—the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion.12
Heroine: Dorothy was portrayed as a delightfully levelheaded, assertive, and plucky heroine, leading some to consider her one of the first feminist heroes in children’s literature.1
Visual Appeal: The book’s success was bolstered by W.W. Denslow’s lavish illustrations, which proved highly popular with the public.1
Universal Themes: The story resonated with readers through its exciting adventure and the appealing message that people often already possess the qualities they believe they lack.1