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.
- Books
- YA Fiction & Indies
- Young Adult Fiction
- The Witch Boy
The Witch Boy
Author(s)
Publisher
Age Range
10+
Release Date
October 31, 2017
ISBN
133808951X
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.
Editor reviews
2 reviews
A Must Read
(Updated: June 07, 2026)
Overall rating
5.0
Plot
5.0
Characters
5.0
Writing Style
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
N/A
Many of the stories out there deal with girls who go against the grain and want to do what society claims is "boys' stuff." While I love those stories and can easily relate, it is super refreshing to see Molly Ostertag take a look at the other side of this coin.
Aster lives in a world where magic and fantasy exist every day. In his society girls learn about magic and spells to become witches while the boys learn how to become shapeshifters. But Aster isn't interested in shape shifting, but is fascinated with the world of magic and spells.
The Witch Boy is simply a beautiful story about a boy just trying to find his place in the world and hoping to be accepted for what he is on the inside. I love how Molly takes the story of discovering how to be true to yourself while weaving in the mystery of the disappearing boys. I love the idea of Aster trying to discover who he really while hunting down clues to help his family. Great read for middle schoolers. It is a book you just can't put down.
Aster lives in a world where magic and fantasy exist every day. In his society girls learn about magic and spells to become witches while the boys learn how to become shapeshifters. But Aster isn't interested in shape shifting, but is fascinated with the world of magic and spells.
The Witch Boy is simply a beautiful story about a boy just trying to find his place in the world and hoping to be accepted for what he is on the inside. I love how Molly takes the story of discovering how to be true to yourself while weaving in the mystery of the disappearing boys. I love the idea of Aster trying to discover who he really while hunting down clues to help his family. Great read for middle schoolers. It is a book you just can't put down.
Good Points
Great story telling
Beautiful Graphics
Beautiful Graphics
User reviews
1 review
Overall rating
4.8
Plot
4.0(1)
Characters
5.0(1)
Writing Style
5.0(1)
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
5.0(1)
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So cute
(Updated: June 07, 2026)
Overall rating
4.8
Plot
4.0
Characters
5.0
Writing Style
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
5.0
Loved the artwork. The characters were great and the plot was perfect for a middle grade novel. Overall really enjoyed this one!



