"But Aster, that magic isn't for you... You'll be one of the men."
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.
Book #1 in The Witch Boy Series!
Boys are shapeshifters, girls are witches. No deviation, no middle ground... except for Aster.
This book includes one of my favourite tropes - magic being used as an allegory for otherness (see: The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune) and explored without being pushy. It's the perfect first instalment in the series.
This story is about loving yourself, breaking down gender roles and the importance of finding yourself an awesome best friend!
- Chelsea
Publisher: Graphix
Date: October 31, 2017
Language: English
Paperback Graphic Novel: 218 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1338089516
Reading age: 8+
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.
Blood
Toxic masculinity
Violence
Witchcraft
Animal Death
Bullying
Broken Bones
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