Ogress and the Orphans

Description:

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! Or 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.

Brief description: Kelly Barnhill is a bestselling author of books for children and adults, including The Girl Who Drank the Moon, winner of the Newbery Medal; The Ogress and the Orphans, a National Book Award finalist; and the highly acclaimed novels for young readers The Witch's Boy, Iron Hearted Violet, and The Mostly True Story of Jack. She is also a winner of the World Fantasy Award and has been a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award, the Andre Norton Nebula Award, and the PEN America Literary Award. Kelly lives in Minnesota with her husband and three children, and she invites you to visit her online at kellybarnhill.com or on Bluesky @kellybarnhill.bsky.social.

Review Quotes:

"As exquisite as it is moving."