Reviews

El Niño Brujo by Molly Knox Ostertag

faerywillow's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

4.75

rydrangea's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

kerameia's review against another edition

5.0

Though the main character is 13, I think that his story and experiences are accessible to a variety of ages. The very personal, intimate look we have into Aster's experience as a boy who's supposed to shape-shift, but feels more inclined/is gifted to witchery, makes this story very powerful and evocative. I couldn't help but be drawn into the narrative and feel Aster's loneliness, small comforts in the form of practicing witchery and meeting Charlie, and his rise in self-confidence.

The story is a good blend of experience, reflection, and action; there is little violence or blood, because the focus is more on Aster's decision-making and strategizing, rather than a gory battle, to solve the issues.

The artwork is colorful, open and welcoming, detailed yet not overwhelming. I think the author/illustrator does a wonderful job of visually depicting events that cannot otherwise be explained, such as when Aster feels confused about something or when he loses his voice.

Definitely recommend for middle grade + students!

singbaby16's review against another edition

adventurous dark hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

foampittroll's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

tatteredwings's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

eyelit's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

jenmangler's review against another edition

4.0

A graphic novel built around the idea that gender norms are stupid and destructive, and we are all better off when we can just be who we are? Yes, please! The magic and shapeshifting is fun, and the friendship between Aster and Charlie is pretty great.

grey_jayne's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

The Witch Boy is fabulous. There is plenty of positive messaging and it is also a riveting story about humans limiting magick by making restrictive rules. 

Witchy, queer, magick, shapeshifters, this series is right up my alley. I'm already changing over to the second book.

fionasfairytales's review against another edition

4.0

4-4.5 stars.

I really, really enjoyed this witchy, magical middle-grade graphic novel! The art style was particularly stunning and memorable. Definitely worth a read for middle-grade & magic lovers of all ages!