The Witch Boy: A Graphic Novel (The Witch Boy Trilogy #1)

by Molly Knox Ostertag

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338089523
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	10/31/2017
Series:	The Witch Boy
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	665,193
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.10(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

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.

Editorial Reviews

"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

From the Publisher

★ 10/01/2017
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

School Library Journal

★ 2017-08-07
Thirteen-year-old Aster is of age to find the animal that will deem him worthy to take its shape as a shape-shifter. There's just one problem. Aster doesn't want to shape-shift—he wants to do witchery, which is forbidden for boys.Aunt Vervain teaches witchery to the girls, and Aster hides, taking careful notes—but he's caught. His mother tells him a family secret: his grandmother's male twin was attracted to witchery. After dabbling in forbidden magic, he morphed into something terrible, caused a disaster in their village, and was cast out. Though Aster's horrified, he can't resist practicing magic alone in the woods. To his delight, it works, but he's seen by Charlie, a black girl from outside his community, and eventually she becomes the confidante and adviser he's needed. On the night of the Finding, a boy is taken by a mysterious creature. Aster knows he can help with witchery, but he'd have to admit how much he's learned. Ostertag's story is straightforward, acting as a parable for gender conformity that's pitched just right to middle-grade audiences. Her panels are clear, colorful, and friendly, and her worldbuilding flawless, Aster's magic-working community sitting cheek by jowl with Charlie's suburb. Characters are all different races: Aster's mother appears white, his father appears Asian, and Aster has darker skin than his mother but has her red hair. With charming artwork, interesting supporting characters, natural-feeling diversity, and peeks of a richly developed world, this book leaves readers wishing for more. (Graphic fantasy. 8-12)

Kirkus Reviews