The Witch Boy
Here's what we found in The Witch Boy. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.
Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The Witch Boy
The Witch Boy is a middle-grade graphic novel that introduces readers to Aster, a thirteen-year-old boy living in a hidden community where magic is strictly segregated by gender. Girls are raised to be witches, skilled in spells, while boys are destined to be shapeshifters, defending their home in animal forms. Aster, however, struggles with shapeshifting and feels an undeniable pull towards witchcraft, a path forbidden to him by tradition. This magical coming-of-age story follows Aster's journey of self-discovery as he secretly practices witchery, challenging the rigid expectations of his family and community.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The book centrally explores themes of gender identity and defying traditional gender roles through the protagonist, Aster, who is a boy drawn to traditionally 'feminine' witchcraft. The author, a gay woman, explicitly states the book contains these feelings, and it is widely recognized as an allegory for gender identity and queerness. Explicit LGBTQ+ representation includes a character, Charlie, with two dads and mentions of other same-sex couples.
Aster's primary conflict is his desire to practice witchcraft, which is forbidden to boys in his community, acting as a direct allegory for individuals exploring and expressing gender identities that diverge from societal norms. He consistently defies his family's expectations that he become a shapeshifter. Charlie, Aster's close friend, explicitly states that she has two dads, providing direct representation of a same-sex couple within the narrative. Mikasi, Aster's great-uncle, is depicted as a tragic figure who was ostracized and corrupted for not conforming to gender roles, serving as a cautionary tale within the narrative about the dangers of suppressing one's true self due to rigid gender expectations.
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and shapeshifting magic are fundamental to the book's world and plot. The magic system involves spells, runes, and spirit animals, and is identified by some Christian reviewers as having a 'Pagan/New Age/Wiccan outlook.' The antagonist uses dark magic, and 'demons' are mentioned as threats.
Would these 2 concerns matter to your family?
Get a report based on your values — not generic ratings.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
Ages 8-12 (Middle Grade). The Lexile measure of GN490L indicates suitability for this age group, and the themes of identity, family, and acceptance are presented in a visually engaging and accessible graphic novel format. The intensity of magic and conflict is appropriate for this audience.
Good to Know
The 'Witch Boy' is the first book in a trilogy, followed by 'The Hidden Witch' (2018) and 'The Midwinter Witch' (2019), which continue to explore and evolve the themes of identity and acceptance. An animated musical film adaptation for Netflix was announced in January 2021.
What are you reading next?
Screen any title in seconds — even ones no one else has reviewed.
No credit card required — join hundreds of families