Review Detail

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.