The Witch's Boy

In this enchanting fantasy adventure from Newbery-Medal winning author Kelly Barnhill, Ned, a boy often dismissed by his village as the "wrong" twin, faces his greatest challenge when a Bandit King threatens his mother's magic and their community. Ned, who stutters and is seen as weak, must discover his inner courage. Simultaneously, Áine, the Bandit King's pragmatic daughter, is guided by a haunting prophecy that intertwines her destiny with Ned's. As their paths cross, they must learn to trust each other to prevent a looming war. This book explores themes of identity, self-worth, bravery, and the power of unlikely friendships, perfect for readers aged 8-12 who enjoy rich world-building and character-driven fantasy.

When a Bandit King comes to take the magic that Ned's mother, a witch, is meant to protect, the stuttering, weak boy villagers think should have drowned rather than his twin summons the strength to protect his family and community, while in the woods, the bandit's daughter puzzles over a mystery that ties her to Ned. When a Bandit King tries to take magic from Ned's mother, a witch, the stuttering, weak boy people think should have drowned instead of his twin, protects his family and community, while the bandit's daughter explores a mystery that ties her to Ned.