The Ogress and the Orphans
| Author | Kelly Barnhill |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Publisher | Algonquin Books |
Publication date | March 8, 2022 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Pages | 72 |
| Awards | National Book Award |
| ISBN | 978-1-64375-074-3 |
The Ogress and the Orphans is a children's book written by Kelly Barnhill and published on March 8, 2022, by Algonquin Books. It counts the events of a small fictional town, where the library is burned down and an orphan goes missing, which leads to its citizen blaming an ogress who had just moved in.
Barnhill's book received starred reviews from specialized outlets, and was praised for its portrayal of topics such as fake news and the importance of a community. It was shortlisted for a National Book Award in the Young People's Literature category.
Reception
The School Librarian's reviewer called the book a "powerful fable that draws you in and challenges the reader." They noted how Barnhill discusses pertinent topics, such as fake news, propaganda and power abuse. They conclude by calling it a "fantastic book".[1] Julia Smith, for The Booklist, praised Barnhill's writing and called attentiont to her usage of an "unusual narrator" who "relays events with a unique perspective."[2] A review published by The Horn Book Magazine called The Ogress and the Orphans "one of the more buoyant of the fictional responses to 'the Dark Days of a Certain Administration'".[3]
Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly both gave it starred reviews. Kirkus called the book "as exquisite as it is moving", and commented on the story's pace, which allows for readers to "form their own opinions on the book's philosophical and thematic questions".[4] PW also noted the "slowly unfurling, deliberately paced" storytelling by Barnhill, and praised her use of allegories to present sociopolitical topics to the readers.[5]
The Ogress and the Orphans was announced it had been shortlisted for the National Book Award in October 2022.[6]
References
- ^ Powell, Isobel (2022). "The Ogress and the Orphans". The School Librarian. 70 (3): 44.
- ^ Smith, Julia (February 1, 2022). "The Ogress and the Orphans". The Booklist. 118 (11): 55.
- ^ Ellis, Sarah (March–April 2022). "The Ogress and the Orphans". The Horn Book Magazine. 98 (2): 66.
- ^ "The Ogress and the Orphans". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved October 5, 2022.
- ^ "The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill". Publishers Weekly. January 27, 2022. Retrieved October 5, 2022.
- ^ Stewart, Sophia (October 4, 2022). "2022 National Book Award Finalists Announced". Publishers Weekly. Retrieved October 5, 2022.