The Ogress and the Orphans

By: Kelly Barnhill

A National Book Award finalist and instant fantasy classic about the power of community, generosity, books, and baked goods, from the author of the beloved Newbery Medal winner The Girl Who Drank the Moon.

The town of Stone in the Glen used to be lovely, but it hasn’t been so in a very long time.

Once a celebrated town with a vibrant town square, prosperous businesses and families, and educated, happy children, Stone in the Glen has fallen on hard times. Since the expansive and beloved Library burned with other buildings in a time of terrible fires, the town has been plagued by droughts, blight, and destruction.

But the people have continued to put their faith in the Mayor, a dazzling fellow with a bright shock of golden hair and brilliant white teeth who promises that he alone can solve their problems. And he is a famous dragon slayer! At least, no one has ever seen a dragon in the Mayor’s presence…

But somebody is to blame for the town’s problems, not only the fires and the decline that followed them, but the child who has gone missing from the local Orphan House. And with a little helpful suggestion from the Mayor, all eyes turn to the Ogress who has come to live at the far edge of town.

Only the children of the Orphan House know the truth. Together, they must clear the Ogress's name and solve the mystery of the town's destruction before their home of Stone in the Glen is destroyed by its own people.

Great for kids *and* adults!

I loved this story. Kelly Barnhill is climbing up my "favorite authors" list. She teaches gentleness, love, and neighborliness.
I laughed out loud with some of the obvious parallels to our reality of today's world.
The narrator was perfect! What a wonderful performance!
Highly recommend.

Loved it!

I love her books and this is no exception. It is wonderful and magical and whimsical.

New favorite books

This book goes on my favorite books list! It is like a hug made of words

A story about brave orphans helping a hopeless community

I really enjoyed this story. This was very humbling. Reminding me of how complex life is but also how important it is to be kind and helpful.

What a beautiful story

This story was initially meant for the YA reader, but I truly believe that any age could read it and completely enjoy it. Lessons of trust, teamwork and the moods of humanity of those that are different than they are. It showed that community cannot exist without friends, love and the strength of each neighbor. Ms Barnhill did an exemplary job of creating an environment and characters that could easily be any one of us at one point or another in life. From evil and greedy, to curious and naive. A great read for any age!