The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill

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! 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.

 

Kelly Barnhill is the author of four books, the most recent of which is The Girl Who Drank the Moon, which won the John Newbery Medal in 2017. She's also a World Fantasy Award and a Parents' Choice Gold Award recipient. Kelly Barnhill may be found online at kellybarnhill.wordpress.com and on Twitter at @kellybarnhill.