num_pages: 400
description: A lightning bolt erupted from the cloud and aimed directly at Neds heart. He couldnt cry out. He couldnt even move. He could just feel the magic sink into his skin and spread itself over every inch of him bubbling and slithering and cutting deep until he didnt know where the magic stopped and he began.When Ned and his identical twin brother Tam tumble from their raft into a raging bewitched river only Ned survives. Villagers are convinced the wrong boy lived. Sure enough Ned grows up weak and slow and stays as much as possible within the safe boundaries of his familys cottage and yard. But when a Bandit King comes to steal the magic that Neds mother a witch is meant to protect it's Ned who safeguards the magic and summons the strength to protect his family and community.In the meantime in another kingdom across the forest that borders Neds village lives ine the resourceful and pragmatic daughter of the Bandit King. She is haunted by her mothers last words to her: The wrong boy will save your life and you will save his. But when ine and Neds paths cross can they trust each other long enough to make their way through the treacherous woods and stop the war about to boil over?With a deft hand acclaimed author Kelly Barnhill takes classic fairy tale elements--speaking stones a friendly wolf and a spoiled young king--and weaves them into a richly detailed narrative that explores good and evil love and hate magic and the power of friendship.
language: English
title: The Witch's Boy
publisher: Algonquin Young Readers