In this sequel to The Witch Boy, Aster is settling in to his status as the only boy in his family to do witchery rather than be a shapeshifter. His grandmother is teaching him and he’s trying to heal his great-uncle, who long ago tried witchery to disastrous results.
His non-magical friend Charlie, however, is trying to escape a curse, which seems connected to her association with the new girl at school, Ariel, who bears trauma from past bullying. Can Aster and Charlie figure out what is causing the curse before it affects more people?
In a secondary plot, Aster’s cousin wants to give up shapeshifting and go to the human school, defying family norms in a way that echoes Aster.
The charming drawings, diverse characters, and thoughtful themes make this another winner.
Aster is biracial (Black/White), Charlie is Black, and Ariel Latinx; other characters are of various skin tones.
