About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels boxed in by social expectations or is struggling with the pressure to perform a specific version of themselves. Whether it is gender norms, family legacy, or just a hobby that others deem 'wrong' for them, this story offers a safe and magical mirror for their experience. In Aster's world, boys must be shapeshifters and girls must be witches, but Aster finds himself drawn to the forbidden art of magic instead. This graphic novel beautifully explores themes of self-confidence and belonging within a supportive, yet rigid, family structure. It is an ideal choice for middle-grade readers who are beginning to navigate their own unique identities. Parents will appreciate how the story normalizes the discomfort of being different while emphasizing that our greatest strengths often come from being true to ourselves.
