Book Review: The Witch's Boy

The Witch's Boy by Kelly Barnhill

Published this year to much acclaim, this is a dark and captivating tale for readers 4th grade and up about magic and its power to do good or destroy. Young Ned and his twin brother Tam are clever and mischievous boys who build a raft in order to visit the ocean. However, their raft breaks apart and Tam is drowned. Villagers whisper throughout the years that "the wrong boy" lived. The wrong boy grows up haunted and hesitant, until he is called upon to protect the magic his family keeps and save his village from war. Young Áine's mother dies just after telling her that "the wrong boy will save your life, and you will save his. And the wolf --" Boy, girl, and wolf come together to unravel the mystery of the ancient magic -- here portrayed as a tricky, willful character -- and save their respective kingdoms from war. An atmospheric and moving read.