Molly Knox Ostertag
The Witch Boy
In a world where magic exists, 13 year old Aster is from a family of witches and shape-shifters.
In this family, boys and girls have different rules they must follow. Aster secretly practices witchcraft, even though it’s against the rules for boys. Because of this, he becomes a disappointment to his family and a target for bullying. He learns that his great uncle, Mikasi, was sent away because he didn’t follow the rules either. This makes Aster worry about what might happen to him.
Aster makes friends with a girl from a different part of town who doesn’t have magic. She’s the only one he can trust with his secret witchcraft skills. When boys from his magical family start disappearing, Aster realizes he might be able to help using his witchcraft powers. Even though it’s risky, he decides to try and save them. This story is all about family, friendship, and being brave enough to be yourself, even when everyone expects something else from you.
INTRODUCTION
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Comprehension
Start Here
Before you crack open “The Witch Boy”, watch Ainara’s review and then travel with her to meet author, Molly Knox Ostertag.
Go Deeper
MORE TO EXPLORE
In each module, you will be invited to spend time exploring some of the ideas introduced in the book. Make sure you check out the links in this section to discover more interesting, cool, and fun stuff!
Get Creative
become a runesmith
Welcome to the world of RUNES!
As you read this book, you’ll have the chance to be like a magical-language-designer called a runesmith. Runes are peculiar symbols that people used long ago for special purposes. They were like secret codes with meanings. People believed in their magic powers and used them in rituals, spells, and ceremonies to keep safe, feel strong, or to communicate with each other. Each rune had its own special meaning - kind of like how emojis have different meanings today.
So, get ready to explore the ancient world of RUNES and create your very own magical symbols!
Journal
Writing Prompt
In each module, you will be invited to write some of your thoughts related to the story. You will be given writing prompts… feel free to use these, or write about any other thoughts or connections that came up for you while reading. You can use your own notebook as a journal OR print this journal booklet to fill in as you go.
Here’s your first JOURNAL PROMPT before you dive into The Witch Boy:
In the episode, Molly asks Ainara if she’d rather be a witch or a shapeshifter. What would you rather be and why? Write about this in your journal before you begin to read. Remember, it’s ok to change your mind later on, as you read and learn new things. You can reflect on that in your journal.
