The Witch Boy (Witch Boy #1)

by Molly Knox Ostertag (Author)

Reading Level: 6th − 7th Grade
Series: Witch Boy

From the illustrator of the web comic Strong Female Protagonist comes a debut middle-grade graphic novel about family, identity, courage -- and magic.

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 mysterious danger threatens the other boys, Aster knows he can help -- as a witch. It will take the encouragement of a new friend, the non-magical and non-conforming Charlie, to convince Aster to try practicing his skills. And it will require even more courage to save his family . . . and be truly himself.

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Kirkus

Starred Review
With charming artwork, interesting supporting characters, natural-feeling diversity, and peeks of a richly developed world, this book leaves readers wishing for more.

ALA/Booklist

Aster’s journey of self-discovery, particularly as he learns to take a stand against assumed gender roles, will resonate with many young readers working to assert themselves within their own communities.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-7--Aster belongs to a magical family, but he is having problems with one of the most basic rules: shapeshifting is for boys, while witchcraft is for girls. Aster is fascinated by the spells that the girls are learning, so he spies on their lessons whenever he can. When several boys disappear during shapeshifting practice, Aster realizes that he can help save them using witchcraft to battle a strange and powerful enemy--but he'll have to break his family's traditions and risk his life. Both the plot and the overall message are straightforward and familiar but engaging. Beneath the fantastical elements lies a story about upending gender expectations, forging identity, and uncovering heroic potential in oneself. Those who enjoy sci-fi or fantasy stories about protagonists who must prove that their society's rules are flawed will appreciate this offering. Ostertag's bright, gentle, cartoonlike artwork brims with life and adds extra appeal to this fast-moving story. VERDICT An excellent choice for reluctant readers, fans of fantasy, and those looking for books that explore gender roles.--Andrea Lipinski, New York Public Library

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

With charming artwork, interesting supporting characters, natural-feeling diversity, and peeks of a richly developed world, this book leaves readers wishing for more. - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Ostertag's bright, gentle, cartoonlike artwork brims with life and adds extra appeal to this fast-moving story. An excellent choice for reluctant readers, fans of fantasy, and those looking for books that explore gender roles. - School Library Journal, starred review

Thrilling and sweet. Ostertag is one of comics' brightest new voices. - Hope Larson, author of Compass South

Ostertag is creating worlds and witches for the modern young reader. - Lucy Knisley, author of Something New and Relish

Dazzling . . . a contemporary fantasy for anyone who's struggled with defining themselves. - Marika McCoola, author of theNew York Times bestselling Baba Yaga's Assistant

this book is awsome

I like this book it is beyond good I think you guys should get this book

it awsome

This book has a lot and action. This book is a really good book I recomend this book

Molly Knox Ostertag
Molly Knox Ostertag is the acclaimed ABA Indie and New York Times bestselling graphic novel author-illustrator of The Girl from the Sea and the Witch Boy trilogy: The Witch Boy, The Hidden Witch, and The Midwinter Witch, as well as a writer for animation. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts, Molly was featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30: Media list in 2020. She's married to fellow writer and artist ND Stevenson, and they live in Los Angeles with two cats and a very cuddly dog. You can find her online at mollyostertag.com.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781338089523
Lexile Measure
490
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Graphix
Publication date
October 31, 2017
Series
Witch Boy
BISAC categories
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV013000 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | General
JUV058000 - Juvenile Fiction | Paranormal, Occult & Supernatural
Library of Congress categories
Identity
Identity (Psychology)
United States
Magic
Witches
Graphic novels
Comic books, strips, etc
Sex role
Shapeshifting
Cartoons and comics
Comics (Graphic works)
Fantasy comics

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