The Hidden Witch: A Graphic Novel (The Witch Boy Trilogy #2)

by Molly Knox Ostertag, Molly Knox Ostertag (Illustrator)

Overview

From the creator of the acclaimed graphic novel The Witch Boy comes a new adventure set in the world of magic and shapeshifting — and ordinary kids just trying to make friends.

Aster and his family are adjusting to his unconventional talent for witchery; unlike the other boys in his family, he isn't a shapeshifter. He's taking classes with his grandmother and helping to keep an eye on his great-uncle whose corrupted magic wreaked havoc on the family. Meanwhile, Aster's friend from the non-magical part of town, Charlie, is having problems of her own — a curse has tried to attach itself to her. She runs to Aster and escapes it, but now the friends must find the source of the curse before more people — normal and magical alike — get hurt.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338253757
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	10/30/2018
Series:	The Witch Boy
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	65,477
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(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

Praise for The Witch Boy:"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...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"Thrilling. 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 Baba Yaga's Assistant

From the Publisher

11/01/2018

Gr 4-6–In this adventurous sequel to The Witch Boy, Aster is finally allowed to learn witchery alongside the girls in his family, while his best friend Charlie is excited by the prospect of a new friendship at (nonmagic) school with shy, guarded Ariel. But mysterious happenings pick up quickly when Charlie is visited by a malevolent spirit and when magic meddles in her first basketball game. Meanwhile, in return for extra lessons, Aster helps his grandmother heal the monster who endangered his life and who, deep down, is also his great-uncle Mikasi. Ostertag skillfully develops the setting and action while tackling topics such as friendship, jealousy, bullying, and identity. Themes of embracing differences and the long-term effects of intolerance carry over from the previous installment, as readers are introduced to a diverse, expanding cast. The bold art is inviting; clear-cut, brightly colored panels with warm autumnal tones keep scenes moving and shift into muted shades to enhance the creep factor. Depictions of Mikasi's dragon-esque form and foreboding shadow shapes are the perfect level of spooky for the target audience. VERDICT An exciting continuation of Aster's supernatural journey, whose coming-of-age messages will resonate with middle graders.—Ashleigh Williams, School Library Journal

School Library Journal

★ 2018-09-02

After fighting the darkness that consumed his great-uncle, young witch Aster must now help him heal.

In this sequel to Witch Boy (2017), Aster's family has agreed to let him become a witch and take classes with the girls. His grandmother offers to help him with his studies in return for a favor: He must help remove the dark magic from her brother, the evil Mikasi, who has transformed into the beast who nearly destroyed Aster's family. Outside Aster's magical compound, his friend Charlie is trying to befriend the new girl at school, Ariel. Living with a foster family, Ariel has been bullied in the past and harbors deep distrust and resentment. When a darkness similar to Mikasi's begins to overtake her, will Charlie and Aster be able to help Ariel in time? Although Aster has gained his family's acceptance to learn magic forbidden for boys, his defiance of gender and social constraints is still in the forefront here; along a similar vein, his cousin decides that he wants to stop practicing shape-shifting altogether, defying the familial dynamic. Themes of bullying are also deftly explored, with Ariel both a victim and a bully. Ostertag's sophomore effort is every bit as wonderful as its predecessor, with continued strong worldbuilding, lovely large and bright illustrations, and its approachable and diverse cast that runs a true-to-life spectrum encompassing white-, tan-, and dark-skinned characters as well as same-sex relationships. Aster's biracial (black/white), Charlie's black, and Ariel's Latinx.

An absolutely bewitching sequel. (Graphic fantasy. 7-12)

Kirkus Reviews