The Witch Boy
Book - 2017 | First edition
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Opinion
From Library Staff
From Library Staff
In 13-year-old Aster's family, girls are raised to be witches, while boys grow up to be shapeshifters. Anyone who dares cross those lines is exiled. Unfortunately for Aster, he still hasn't shifted and he's fascinated by witchery. When a mysterious danger threatens the other boys, Aster knows he ... Read More »
(Gr 4-7) Aster is at the age when he should start to get his shape-shifting powers, like the other boys his age. But Aster is more interested in learning witchcraft. Problem is, witchcraft is for girls. Can he learn to be himself and not get exiled?
In thirteen-year-old Aster's family, all the girls are raised to be witches, while boys grow up to be shapeshifters. Anyone who dares cross those lines is exiled. Unfortunately for Aster, he still hasn't shifted... and he's still fascinated by witchery, no matter how forbidden it might be. When a... Read More »
multcolib_rutha
Jan 03, 2018
What's a boy to do when he'd rather learn spells and practice magic than become a shapeshifter?
multcolib_rutha
Jun 12, 2018
When a mysterious danger threatens the other boys, Aster knows he can help -- as a witch. It will take the encouragement of a new friend, to convince Aster to try practicing his skills.
From the critics
Community Activity
Age
Add Age Suitabilityviolet_penguin_924 thinks this title is suitable for 11 years and over
Notices
Add NoticesFrightening or Intense Scenes: Some of the scenes of conflict with the antagonist become a little intense for younger audiences.
Comment
Add a CommentI really enjoyed this graphic novel! I think what struck me most was the author's ability to use the situation of "magical identity" as an allegory. The feeling of not being allowed to express your true self certainly transcends the world of magic in this book and relates deeply with our own world today. This message was apparent throughout the story, but I never felt that the text became preachy or overt. I would recommend this graphic novel for 4th-7th graders.
I'm reading this with my 5 year old (after pre reading) and she's so into it. This is our first graphic novel so I'm adding a good amount of explaining and some words changed here and there, but we're both really enjoying it. There are other books in the series, but it's great as a stand alone too!
You should read this it's a very good graphic novel. The pictures looked good and the story was good.
~~ Reviewed by my kid
This gorgeous graphic novel by Molly Ostertag captures elements of magic, adventure, coming of age, gender identity, friendship, and family. This is done while still creating an engaging story that I didn't want to put down. It was recommended for fans of Harry Potter by the Reading Glasses podcast, and I would agree with their assessment.
In Aster's world, girls learn witchcraft and boys learn shapshifting. But all Aster wants is to learn witchcraft--and he has a knack for it. When boys start disappearing, Aster is the only one with the skills to find them.
Not only was the art beautiful in this book, but it is ultimately a book about learning to be yourself. And accepting yourself. Now I want to read more from Osterang because I loved this one so much!
The Witch Boy is an unapologetically forward story about embracing your differences regardless of the cultural norms others are impressing on you. My only quibble is that the story was SO straightforward, the reveal of the "mystery" antagonist was not particularly surprising. Also, while the story wrapped up nicely, it was also extremely fast-paced, which left it feeling more like a short story than a longer tale. This is a story that could have easily been fleshed out into a longer series with more character development. It's still worth reading and is a fantastic story.
I hope there is a second one coming, because this was a wonderful graphic novel.
This is such a great graphic novel! The illustrations are fun and the color pallet sets a great mood of warm AND spooky. This is a story about the importance of friendship, forging your own path, and challenging and surpassing expectations and gender roles! I am hooked and am powering my way through the rest of the series. Love, love, love!
Such a good story! I loved this one so much!
<3 <3