There flies the witch. It is a phrase that has been used throughout history to ostracize and stigmatize individuals who are seen as different or strange. The idea of a witch flying through the sky on a broomstick is a powerful symbol that has been ingrained in our collective consciousness for centuries. In ancient times, women who practiced herbal medicine or had knowledge of the natural world were often labeled as witches and feared by their communities. These women, who possessed a deep understanding of the healing properties of plants, were seen as a threat to established religious and social orders. Their ability to heal the sick and provide answers to life's mysteries was often seen as supernatural or magical, and therefore worthy of persecution.
Their ability to heal the sick and provide answers to life's mysteries was often seen as supernatural or magical, and therefore worthy of persecution. In the Middle Ages, the Church played a central role in identifying and prosecuting witches. The image of a witch flying through the night sky on a broomstick became a popular trope in European folklore and mythology.
There Flies the Witch (Hardcover)
Red may not know who her true family is, but she’s determined to find out where she belongs, in this story about magic, nature, family, love, and betrayal. There Flies the Witch will enchant fans of Erin Entrada Kelly, Tae Keller, and Grace Lin.
Red doesn’t remember who she is or where she came from. In fact, her only memory is a terrifying, repeating dream of a threatening shadow and a foggy field. But after many years, she wonders if that’s just something she made up.
Red does know that she now belongs with Yakaka, the witch who rescued Red when she was a little girl. Full of power and magic, Yakaka travels the world, healing the planet when it calls for her help. Yakaka carries Red between the wings on her back during these journeys, teaching her the skills of witchcraft, storytelling, and healing—skills Red can never seem to master.
After a dangerous mission leads to Yakaka and Red’s falling from a great height and into the stormy ocean, Red wakes up alone on a seemingly deserted island. Days later, a young boy and his mother find Red and help her recover. For the first time, Red has a friend her own age to play with, and a chance to live a different kind of life. But what happened to Yakaka?
Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev explores themes of family, identity, belonging, and resilience in this truly extraordinary coming-of-age story for readers of Kelly Barnhill’s The Girl Who Drank the Moon, Lauren Wolk’s Beyond the Bright Sea, and Laurel Snyder’s Orphan Island.
About the Author
Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev was born in Liberia, where she was exposed to a culture of oral storytelling at a young age. She lived in the Netherlands for several years, where she learned to stuff her klompen (wooden shoes) with carrots and developed a love for reading stories—especially tales written by Roald Dahl and Astrid Lindgren. She is the author of The Leopard Behind the Moon and a junior novel retelling of Marvel’s Black Panther. She lives in Washington, DC, with her family.
Praise For…
“The cadenced storyteller’s voice and short, propulsive sentences render every moment of the deceptively simple plot urgently alive. A wealth of earthy, quotidian detail provides some needed distance from the roiling emotional dynamics; beneath an exquisitely poetic skin, the novel brims with tensions between abandonment and isolation, fault and forgiveness, empowerment and self-realization. . . . This is absolutely not to be missed.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)
“A girl seeks a sense of belonging and the truth about her identity. . . . The descriptions of the setting evoke a faraway land, both idyllic in its natural beauty and containing lurking dangers and existing outside of time in a way reminiscent of folklore. Red’s story expands on themes of family, love, self-identity, forgiveness, and growth in this novel that will appeal to sophisticated readers. A dreamy story that reads like an extended folktale.” — Kirkus Reviews
“This is a powerful story about forgiveness and healing. The grand adventure is found not in finding a mystical purpose nor defeating an evil king, but in a girl who learns to write her story. . . . For readers who are fans of quiet adventures and (literal) magical storytelling, this is one to hold near your heart.” — Booklist
“[Red] seeks to uncover the origins of her past in this literary read by Paasewe-Valchev. . . . Through Red’s mesmeric narration, rendered in lilting prose, Paasewe-Valchev crafts an imaginative story that feels at once otherworldly and inherently grounded in familiar themes of family, forgiveness, and self-discovery.” — Publishers Weekly
- Juvenile Fiction / Fantasy & Magic
- Juvenile Fiction / Family / Orphans & Foster Homes
- Juvenile Fiction / People & Places / Africa
- Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
- Juvenile Fiction / Science & Nature / Environment
- Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Emigration & Immigration
- Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
- Compact Disc (May 16th, 2023): $31.99
- MP3 CD (May 16th, 2023): $41.99
“A girl seeks a sense of belonging and the truth about her identity. . . . The descriptions of the setting evoke a faraway land, both idyllic in its natural beauty and containing lurking dangers and existing outside of time in a way reminiscent of folklore. Red’s story expands on themes of family, love, self-identity, forgiveness, and growth in this novel that will appeal to sophisticated readers. A dreamy story that reads like an extended folktale.” — Kirkus Reviews
It was believed that witches used their broomsticks or other flying objects to attend clandestine meetings known as Sabbaths, where they would consort with the devil and engage in all manner of dark and forbidden practices. Throughout history, people who were different or did not conform to societal norms have often been labeled as witches. This label was used to marginalize and persecute groups such as healers, midwives, and women who displayed unconventional behavior or had unconventional beliefs. Even today, the phrase "there flies the witch" can still be used to stigmatize and demean those who are seen as unconventional or different. It is a reminder of the power of stereotypes and the fear that can arise when individuals challenge established norms and traditions. In conclusion, the phrase "there flies the witch" has a long and dark history. It has been used to isolate and vilify individuals who are seen as different or threatening to established social and religious orders. The image of a witch flying through the night sky on a broomstick remains a powerful symbol that continues to resonate in our collective consciousness..
Reviews for "Flying Brooms and Flying Witches: A Magical Connection"
- John Smith - 1 star
I found "There flies the witch" to be incredibly dull and uninteresting. The plot was convoluted and confusing, and the characters were lackluster and undeveloped. I couldn't connect with any of them and found myself yawning through most of the book. The writing style was also clunky and awkward, making it a chore to get through each page. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting and engaging read.
- Jane Doe - 2 stars
While I appreciate the author's attempt at creating a unique and atmospheric world in "There flies the witch," I ultimately felt underwhelmed by the execution. The pacing was slow, and the story seemed to drag on without any clear direction. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters or become invested in their journey. Additionally, the ending felt rushed and left several plot threads unresolved. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't particularly recommend it.
- Sarah Johnson - 2.5 stars
"There flies the witch" had an interesting premise, but it failed to deliver on its potential. The story started off strong, but as it progressed, it became overly complicated and difficult to follow. The author introduced too many subplots and characters without giving them proper development, leaving me feeling confused and detached from the narrative. The writing style was also a bit pretentious and overwrought, hindering my enjoyment of the book. While there were some moments of intrigue, overall, "There flies the witch" left much to be desired.