Het meisje dat naar de sterren luisterde

by Kelly Barnhill, Sandra C. Hessels (Translator)

Een vervloekt dorp.
Een dapper weesmeisje.
Een besluit dat alles verandert.

Anthea groeit op in een weeshuis. Ooit was het de gelukkigste plek op aarde, maar jaren geleden is het dorp getroffen door een tragedie. Het weeshuis raakt in armoede en verval. Af en toe liggen er gulle gaven bij het hek. Maar er zijn te veel monden te voeden. Anthea is het oudste weeskind. Zij voelt aan alles: binnenkort zal men haar noodgedwongen vragen het weeshuis te verlaten. Dan is ze op zichzelf aangewezen in een vijandige wereld waar ze niemand kent. Maar dan verdwijnt haar zusje…

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Fiction, Childrens, Young Adult, Audiobook, Dragons

416 pages, Hardcover

First published March 8, 2022

About the author

Kelly Barnhill is an author and teacher. She won the World Fantasy Award for her novella The Unlicensed Magician, a Parents Choice Gold Award for Iron Hearted Violet, the Charlotte Huck Honor for The Girl Who Drank the Moon, and has been a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award, the Andre Norton award, and the PEN/USA literary prize. She was also a McKnight Artist's Fellowship recipient in Children's Literature. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with her three children and husband. You can chat with her on her blog at www.kellybarnhill.com

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a whole day since we finished, and I still don't know how to talk about it.

It was just so lovely, so full of hope but also sadness. You could read it as an allegory for the last few years in our own country, or you could read it as a pure fantasy, or you could encompass both in your mind and in your heart. I have not read a middle grade book so full of love, and grief, and hope, since . . . Well, since THE GIRL WHO DRANK THE MOON. I know I keep saying the same thing over and over, but there really isn't anything else to say. You just have to read this book and experience it for yourself. Every word is so carefully placed that its like Kelly opened her mouth to tell a story, and jewels poured out.

[Nikola · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5/5

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

’Pay Attention.

Listen.
This is a story about an ogress.
She is not who you might think she is.
(But really, is anyone?)

’This is also a story about a family of orphans.’

And, might I add, a story about a dragon. A greedy, remorseless, dragon who feeds on the seeds of disagreement among the people in this town, and delights in the increasing discord in this small town.

But before this story begins, you should know that Stone-in-the Glen was a charming town which had a Library that all roads in the town led to, it was so beloved. That is, until it was destroyed in a fire.

’Books flew out the melting windows like panicked birds, their wings bright and phosphorescent. They were beautiful for a moment, the town remembers, the way a heart is beautiful in the moment before it breaks.’

This was the beginning of another series of unfortunate events, as the school burned not long after, followed by a series of other fires, which led to the loss of the town's trees. The fruit trees, and then the blossoming trees, and finally the much needed shade trees died, which led to even more problems. People withdrew, staying in their homes, keeping their children inside, stopped caring for and about others, choosing to focus on their own problems.

It is also a town with an orphanage which cares for fifteen orphans. Orphan House managed to accommodate them all, despite its small size, but they also rely on the town for assistance. And it is also a story about an Ogress who lives on the outskirts of Stone-in-the Glen, who delights in leaving goodies for the residents as they sleep. So when talk spreads, encouraged by the Mayor, that the Ogress is the one responsible for the children who have disappeared, including the one most recently missing from the orphanage, she becomes a target. And even more lies and innuendos are whispered by the townsfolk. The orphans have come to know, and love, the Ogress, but can they convince the townsfolk?

Just days ago, I read Kelly Barnhill’s previous book, The Girl Who Drank the Moon which I thoroughly enjoyed. Reading The Ogress and the Orphans was even more delightful. I know it’s early in the year, but I expect this one to make my Best of 2022 list. While it is listed as Children’s Fiction, I think it is one to be enjoyed by all ages.


Published: 08 Mar 2022

Many thanks for the ARC provided by Algonquin Young Readers

[Amy Imogene Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

A mirror looking back at us with a kinder, hopeful light. This feels like the most relevant of fairy tales and the kind of story I'd love to hear told around the coffee table on a lazy afternoon.

Concept: ★★★★★
Pacing: ★★★
Sense of storytelling: ★★★★★

What does it mean to be a neighbor?

This story is about an Ogress. (But maybe she's not who you think she is.)

This story is about a Dragon. (And maybe he's exactly who you think he is.)

This story is also about a town fallen on hard times, where trust and kindness are steadily withering away with each hotter season, and the town's livelihood is dying a slow death as a result.

This story is also about a group of orphans, who are able to look at the world with the clear-eyed gaze that only the most honest of children can use.

The Ogress and the Orphans is a parable for our times—as lofty as that sounds. Timely, yet timeless. About us and yet not about us. For us adults reading this, this story is going to be a lancing of the boil (whether you're ready for it or feel that way is up to you, but it definitely was such for me).

We've experienced so much ugly in these past few years, and our souls are tired. We wonder if there is any hope for the younger generations in this reality where facts are apparently subjective and the concept of kindness toward those around you seems like an alien concept. What hope can we have when those in power try harder and harder to focus a polarity in the culture in order to inflate their egos and bank vaults? How can we record these thoughts and spit them back as something useful and fostering of growth?

Kelly Barnhill's Ogress and the Orphans is one such answer. Barnhill wrote this novel during the last few years and that shows—if you're an American, you can see the players behind their fairy tales masks. Her thesis question of "What is a neighbor?" is clearly playing with concepts that have been bullied and broken and abused in the political and social arena for years now. But even for the rest of us, and especially for the children, this fable exists to grow love and foster kindness.

I normally read harsher things, darker things, so maybe my review will be an odd duck for those who follow me for those other books. However, despite this novel's length—it was a bit long, and for an adult it will feel like something shorter that was drawn out for younger minds—I think it's worth a try.

Especially if you're in need of something light amidst all of this darkness.

Thank you to the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

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[Dana K · Rating 2 out of 5]

"The world is filled with goodness, and our response should not be silence and suspicion. You have a responsibility to be grateful. You have a responsibility to do good as a result."

---------------------

You know me, I love a good fairy tale with a nice moral. What I don't love is a socialist tome with an entirely heavy-handed commentary on politics and the distribution of wealth. If this had been 250 pages and focused on the Ogress and the orphans and the message of "don't judge a book by it's cover" and the importance of kindness. I would have given it 4 stars. That book was in there, but it was buried in socialist rhetoric and a Trump-esque mayor creating problems just to solve them and look like a hero.

I loved the focus on literacy and the importance of books to build empathy and understanding. And the bond formed between the Ogress, all the animals and the children was beautiful and certainly something I think children could benefit from reading. The rest of it, I think would generally bore most kids and it only served to frustrate me. If I hadn't signed up for a book tour I would likely have DNFed this one.

I think this one will appeal to some but not all. Have a good read of the synopsis and decide for yourself.

Thanks to Algonquin for the gifted copy. All opinions above are my own.

[DaNae · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot to like about this Fable showcasing the power of community, fellowship and compassion. My friend Leonard compares Barnhill to DiCamillo, on which I can agree in regards to themes and world-building. But where DiCamillo is economical in word count and subtle in delivery, Barnhill is bloated and subtle as a bag of hammers.

Popsugar #28: A book featuring a party
(I adored the gatherings in the town square)

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this! This has just beautiful, engaging writing. There’s a mystery narrator, & I just loved the flow of the storytelling so much. The characters are phenomenal. Even the ones you’re aren’t supposed to like, are written so well. The writing brings out such an emotional reaction-anger towards the not nice characters for example lol. I think there’s some excellent messages in here. Like not judging people on their appearances, differences, or anything really. Also, what it actually means to be a neighbor..& to be a GOOD neighbor. And we can blame the people “in charge”, that are running things, but we are responsible for our own actions in the grand scheme of things, & have to take responsibility. The orphans, Matron & Myron, & just EVERYTHING about Orphan House was amazing. The Ogress has my heart, & so do the crows(especially Harold), & Dog. I loved how it all came together, & just gave it a big old book hug! I will say, I did think some stuff went on & on a little much with the mayor & townsfolk. Just certain parts that gave me deja vu. Not sure if it was intended or not, but the mayor reminded me of our last president. Since I live in the US, & lived through that already, that might be why I thought that about certain parts. I read to escape. Lol & too much of that annoyed me-like it did in real life lol This is full of whimsy, life lessons, friendship, family, kindness & unkindness, depth, beautiful writing, & so much heart. Highly recommend! Loved this, & I’m so happy! STUNNING COVER that wraps around front to back by Yuta Onoda. And a BEAUTIFUL map inside as well! Not sure if the same illustrator did that too!💜

[Savannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Heavens, this book was quite preachy. I’m not quite sure what to make of it, but I didn’t enjoy having life lessons shoved in my face while trying to enjoy characters and story. Because this story was told from the perspective of an omniscient narrator, there's many sentences and paragraphs purely devoted to talking about kindness and judging and all sorts of feel-good life lessons. It very much distracted from the story and the characters, making them seem less important. If I wanted to read a self-help book about being a good neighbor, I wouldn't pick up a middle grade fantasy. I'm just confused how any child or teenager would find this book entertaining enough to keep reading.

All that being said, does this book carry an important message? Of course. Is the story itself interesting and heart warming? Yes. So it does have some merit. And I'm sure there's plenty of people out there who appreciate the preachiness and moralizing nature of the story. I'm definitely not one of those people (I prefer my books' themes to be represented in the characters, not shoved at me in random sentences and paragraphs by a self-righteous narrator). Anyways, this obviously wasn't the book for me, which is a shame because I adored The Girl Who Drank the Moon.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 1
Plot/Movement: 2
Character Development: 3
Overall: 2

Thank you, Algonquin Young Readers, for the ARC!

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be the slowest I've ever read such a good book. It was too wonderful to rush.

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is unquestionably one of her best! Absolutely charming and not merely for young adults/children, this is a novel with great thematic depth and lots of clever twists and turns which made me smile constantly. Brilliant fairytale for all ages!

[Kaila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me, but could be good for someone who is the actual targeted age group. The allegories were pretty heavy-handed. We get it! It's fake news! For a 400 page story very little happened but there is lots, and lots, AND LOTS of repetition. Had to force myself to finish.

[Leonard Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barnhill seems to be on a DiCamillo trajectory. This sentence from the book is also a self-summation. “I suppose it was lovely enough. And good enough. And kind enough. Was it perfect? Oh, heavens, no.” But being imperfect hardly matters compared to loveliness, kindness, and being good.

[Dest · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am surprised by how much I disliked this. I heard that the author wrote it in reaction to the 2016 election (see her Kirkus interview here: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/news-an...) and maybe that's why. I don't want the pain of the Trump presidency in a children's book. I don't want a Trump-esque villain. I don't want platitudes about neighborliness, even if they are well-meaning. It was difficult for me to finish this book and I was not happy at the end. There was no joy in this book for me -- even when it seemed to be pandering to librarians and many of the things we stand for.

But this is a super personal reaction. Professionally, this is a book I would still suggest to young readers and families who want a fantasy story about good vs. evil and right vs. wrong. The best thing I can say about this book is that I appreciate what it's trying to do.

I listened to the audiobook, which was very well done. I liked the narrator. I usually listen at regular speed, but I sped this up to 1.5x and then 2x because I just wanted it to be over.

[Laura (thenerdygnomelife) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down. The cover of “The Ogre and the Orphans” sucked me in, along with some rave reviews. I decided to give it a shot, and also had my son listen to it, too.

First, the good: This book would make for a great read-aloud to family. It has a definite fable feel to it, complete with underlying morals.

What didn’t quite click for me: The story is, ultimately, quite simple, and easy to see through. That’s not a bad thing, but it did make the book feel like it would be best read aloud to children who maybe aren’t yet reading independently. I feel like it would be better suited to very early elementary, rather than middle grade. This was backed up a bit by my middle grader who listened to it and gave it a shrug and “it’s okay.” It has that somewhat mesmerizing beauty of a fairy tale, yet feels too low on action.

I think this could have been helped by a solid edit, as it was slow and often repetitive. 

Still, for parents of youngish children who could benefit from a message of neighborly kindness to others, the story has merit.

[marguerita.czyta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prosta, nieskomplikowana, miejscami dość oczywista, acz przyozdobiona baśniowymi elementami historia. Przyjemna i lekka, idealna do czytania wieczorami dzieciom, które jeszcze nie są gotowe poddać się w już przegranej walce przeciwko kołdrze i poduszce. Dozowana małymi porcjami na długo zagości w waszych wspólnych wieczorach.

Tyle i aż tyle wystarczyłoby napisać o tej pięknie napisanej historii. Nie uroczy was erudycją i wysublimowaną grą słowem. W końcu to historia dla dzieci. Łatwa do przyjęcia i pięknie opisana, niemal filmowa, chociaż opowiedziana prostymi słowami.

Dla osoby dorosłej ta książka będzie jak… Ogr, tak, tak, ogr… no i może cebula… W końcu ogry też mają warstwy…
Z wierzchu historia dla dzieci, ale w głębi wielopoziomowa i nieprosta w interpretacji alegoria dorosłej rzeczywistości, której dzieci nie potrafią zrozumieć. Dla nich wszystko to wydaje się nielogiczne, bezsensowne, ale nie zagmatwane. Dla dorosłych wydaje się sytuacją bez wyjścia, zamgloną rzeczywistością, nad którą nigdy więcej nie zaświeci słońce.

Pozorna historia o braku wzajemnej dobroci, współczucia i empatii skrywa dalsze pokłady, bardziej mroczne i przeznaczone dla dorosłego czytelnika.

Ujrzeć możemy oczami dzieci, jak bardzo ludzie gotowi są zaufać charyzmatycznym szarlatanom. Jak łatwo dadzą się podzielić, zmanipulować. Jak łatwo jest wskazać wroga i jak łatwo jest przekonać siebie i innych, że ten wróg, to nasz wróg. Wszystko, co złe w naszym życiu to jego wina… Przypomina wam to coś? Nie minęło jeszcze 80 lat odkąd taka logika i sposób myślenia przeorały naszą rzeczywistość, od czasów, gdy wszystko, co w nas najgorsze ruszyło na podbój świata. Nie odbiega to tym bardziej od naszej, polskiej, rzeczywistości, gdzie daliśmy się podzielić i te sztuczne, zakłamane, polityczne podziały karzą nam szukać wroga w człowieku obok.

O ile sama historia nie jest zbyt skomplikowana, to zakończenie może nie być tym, na jakie czekaliście. Przeważające siły zła są przeszkodą nie do pokonania, dla małych bohaterów. Są niczym Mount Everest dla dziecięcych sił. A jednak…

Zresztą co tu więcej mówić… Musicie przeczytać. Powiem wam jedno - gdy zamknęłam już ostatnią stronę, obróciłam książkę i spojrzałam na Ogrzycę na okładce, przez kilka długich chwil zastanawiałam się, co tak naprawdę przeczytałam. Co to tak naprawdę było… Jakie to przyjemne uczucie odkryć książkę tak prostą i tak głęboką zarazem. Tak przyjemnie dziecięcą i tak otwierającą oczy na „dorosłą” rzeczywistość. Książkę, która na sam koniec wprowadza w zdziwienie i sprawia, że nie wiesz co ostatecznie myśleć.

Ach, prawie zapomniałam! Okładka! Przepiękna i przykuwająca wzrok, takiej sroczki jak ja ;) @wydawnictwoliterackie robisz to naprawdę dobrze!

Polecam wam tę historię z całego serca

[Leigh Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is really hard for me to give this such a low rating. I absolutely loved The Girl Who Drank the Moon. I’m a sucker for lyrical fantasy with morals…this….was not that. Look, I hate Trump too, but the repetitive political rhetoric in this was so heavy-handed. This book feels like a first draft of what could be a beautiful story on kindness and the power of books/truth but instead it’s a long-winded complaint with contrived dialogue.

I’m not saying it’s bad, or even that children won’t like it, but as an adult that loves beautiful youth literature, and has been blown away by this author before, this was not the book I expected.

[lanislittlelibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a perfect little book. I can’t believe it’s over. I just wanted to suck the marrow out of this book. I genuinely savored every single page. It was so delightful and slightly whimsical. A new favorite of mine. This book is posing so many wonderful questions in such subtle ways: What is being a good person? What is loveliness and goodness? What do those two things look like in a town depleted of them? How do those two things return once lost? What is a neighbor? What does in mean to be giving?

[Tara May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Dickinson said to tell a truth, but tell it slant. You’ll find lots of slanted truths in “The Ogress and the Orphans.” It’s too soon (and too clear) to call it déjà vu, but let’s just say you’ve been here before.

“The Ogress and the Orphans” is a sweet and clever fairytale about what happens to a community when kindness and empathy are replaced with distrust and division. A story about what it means to be a good neighbor—what it means to be good. And, ultimately, how books (i.e., knowledge and truths)—and orphans—save the day.

Very much a book of its time, “The Ogress and the Orphans” spins familiar events into a lyrical tale of humanity, both the good and the evil. The mayor in particular reminds me of a certain someone with blonde hair and bad ideas. This might be a fairytale written for children, but there are lessons here for everyone.

[Hannah // Book Nerd Native · Rating 5 out of 5]

100/10 stars

[Barb Middleton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful writing, themes galore, and great voice but slow pacing, a predictable plot, and too much repetition made me relieved when done.

[Ineffable7980x · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is pure magic! I am so excited that I almost want to start reading it again right away, and I never feel that way. I picked this book up because I read and loved this author's Newberry winning book The Girl Who Drank the Moon. I am one of those adults who still finds a kind of wonder in well done middle grade books, and this novel definitely fits that category.

First of all, this story has definite fairy tale vibes. So if you don't like that, I would stay away, but if you do, I can promise you Barnhill does an excellent of creating a timeless fable.

In a small town that was once lovely, things have gone wrong. Their beloved trees have been chopped down, and their very special library has burned to the ground, and now years on, the neighbors who used to be so friendly and civic minded find themselves locking themselves inside their homes. They have grown afraid, and bitter, and uncharitable. They look to their charismatic mayor to improve things, but in spite of their love for him, things only seem to get worse. Into this town moves an Ogress, looking for a home and a place to belong.

The Ogress is kind and generous, and her main belief is that the more she gives to others, the more she gets back. The rest of this book is an exploration of this idea. There are remarkable orphans, talking crows, and even dragons.

Barnhill does a great job of not only making this story enchanting, but also filling it with profound truths and knowing nods to the state of our current world. In that way, this is a true all ages book, one that I will definitely re-read. It's that powerful.

Highly recommended.

[MandM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen. This book is pure magic.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A narcissistic town leader, who bathes in gold while saying there's nothing to go around. Slowly, the conditions of the town deteriorate as he takes, takes, takes. Talking much, but saying little of relevant importance; Quick to point fingers as he hollers: 

"Make our town lovely again!"

"See what happens when we let ogres in?"

Frustrated and scared, the townspeople are easily manipulated by their mayor's claims. They begin to distrust one another, to hoard resources, to point fingers at those who are visibly different from them. The library is burned down, the townspeople spread hate and desperately turn to violence. Compassion is a distant memory. Mob mentality ensues, as the mayor repeatedly spews fancy lies, feasting on the chaos. It's up to the youth, the poor, and the marginalized to see through the misinformation and to spread love and compassion among their neighbors; To quench the hurt, extinguish the hate, and save their town.

You may think, as I did, that this novel is an allegory based on events of the turn of this decade. I came across an interview with Kelly Barnhill where she eloquently responded to that question with:

"We have seen this sort of behavior before, and unfortunately we will see it again. There will always be liars; there have always been tyrants; there will always be greedy, rapacious men seeking to sink their teeth into the world... Long ago, people told stories about dragons sitting on their piles of hoarded riches, and maybe it wasn’t too much of a stretch to see similarities between those shining, selfish beasts and those living off the labor of others, and sucking their communities dry. Dragons, alas, will always be with us. This is why fairy tales still matter: they teach us how those dragons can be beaten."

But that's enough about evil. Enough about what is broken. Much more importantly, this book is about *good*. It's about repairing the damage. It's about being a neighbor.

If you've read anything by Kelly Barnhill, you'll know that her writing is exquisite. Slow and savory, as I recently described The Girl Who Drank the Moon. In The Ogress and the Orphans, I felt a bit less of the whimsy and atmospherical vibes than I did with The Girl, however, the themes of The Ogress were so very meaningful and relevant. I came to love it nearly as much!  This is very high praise, as The Girl Who Drank the Moon is an all-time favorite.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What worked:
The author says she needed a way to heal her soul after the nastiness and cruelty that grew from a recent presidency. This book tells the story of how simple acts of kindness can spread, as others pass good feelings on to their neighbors. However, in order to share that lesson, the author needs to create a problem of meanness and prejudice. Young readers might not notice references to actual events, but many of the awful comments from characters are eerily disturbing. It’s hard to imagine formerly kind neighbors treating each other with suspicion and selfishness, and it’s all caused by the efforts of one character.
The author helps readers empathize with the Ogress, as she’s a wonderfully kind creature. She loves helping others anonymously, out of the kindness of her heart, so the villagers of Stone-in-the-Glen are unaware of her generosity. She constantly tells herself, “The more I give, the more I have.” She takes a special interest in the orphans, as they suffer from the lack of community support. The Ogress brings them extra food and steps in to help when other problems arise. The orphans receive strange dreams about what’s actually happening in the village, but it’s hard to trust thoughts that arise from touching books, wood, and stone. It’s fitting to note the characters’ realization that many solutions to problems can be found in books.
The author’s voice is descriptive and philosophical, and it’s shared in the manner of a storyteller. An interview with the author reveals this book began as a shorter fairy tale, but it developed a life of its own and became a novel. The whole tale sounds like the narrator is speaking directly to readers, and there are hints that the narrator is one of the characters. It’s fun to consider comments and evidence throughout the book and imagine the narrator’s identity. The narrator is omniscient at is aware of all events and thoughts. Readers are able to contrast the mayor’s greedy thoughts, words, and actions and contrast them the ogress’s benevolence toward animals, plants, and the villagers.
The final verdict:
How can good people be cruel to others? It’s refreshing to see the kindness of the Ogress, and the perseverance of the orphans defeat the discord created by the mayor. I can’t think of any negatives about this book, and readers of all ages will love it.

[Tamsyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book. It is rare for me to find a book in which a character speaks to the reader directly in a voice that doesn’t rub me the wrong way. This (anonymous) voice was one of the most delightful parts of the narration in a book chock full of delightful characters.

Wise and wonderful, this story asks questions about neighbors and community, talks about the importance of stories, generosity, giving without expectation of reciprocity and how that creates a positive cycle — all excellent subjects for reflection.

And don’t miss the acknowledgements. Early to say, but definitely one of my favorites for 2022.

Listen.
This is a story about an ogress.
She is not who you might think she is.
(But really, is anyone?)

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly Barnhill has delivered (birthed?) a beautiful middle grade novel about a dragon, an ogress, a houseful of orphans, and a town that has lost its way. Filled with humor, whimsy, heart, and unexpected depth, The Ogress and the Orphans shows the power of story, the importance of kindness and acceptance, and the joy of being a true neighbor. Gorgeous writing and strong undertones of social justice make this a perfect read for all ages! I predict major awards for Barnhill's newest!

Thanks to Algonquin Young Readers/Workman Publishing for an Advance Review Copy.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was more like 3.5 for me? While I love all the messages and agree with them, it came across a bit preachy for me. I also found the narrative elements (like paragraphs beginning with ‘Listen,’ and the overuse of animal dialogue—can someone count how many times “Caw” is written followed by an explanation of whether another animal understands Crow or not?—etc.) repetitive and a bit wearing after a while. The orphans, on the other hand, were adorable, the arc was hopeful and sweet, and the promotion of literacy was done in a really lovely way.

[Afi (WhatAfiReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal Ratings : 4🌟

This book is a middle grade book that is filled with satire. The prose seemed simple, as it talks about The Ogress and the Orphans and the story of a town that was filled with happiness before but after the fire of the library, the town became scarce, the people mean and every part of the town is filled with hatred, especially lead with a mayor that is two-faced and seemed to provide for the town but has not been doing so.

----
Personal Thoughts

Let's start by saying, I came in with a middle grade mindset, but the underlying message of the book seemed very adult, which makes it a bit disorienting to read at first. I have a habit of trying to adjust my mindset according to the genres that I pick, and reading this book at first felt long and draggy; to a point that I almost gave up reading the book. The story went on and on about other people and the plot on Ogress and Orphans felt too little at first.

But then, I found an interview from the author that changed my mindset,

Trump has really given children’s authors everywhere a great service, because all those years our editors were like, Oh, this villain is too cartoonish. Or Isn’t this a bit on the nose? I feel like everything since 2016 has been a little on the nose, you know what I mean? But looking back on it, it turns out there’s all kinds of scurrilous individuals who also said that they alone could fix it. And maybe we should learn from that.

The author had written the book during the year Trump was elected and turns out that the Mayor is somewhat a satire during his era, and after that, I changed my mindset when reading this book, and it became super enjoyable towards the second half.

I liked the idea of a town or nation is crushed with the absence of a library and a place where books are missing, that leads to the town's inherent tragedy. The library fire had created a series of unfortunate events that made the town worst than it already is. The author had shown how important the institution of learning and minds collected to be present in a community. When a library or a place where access of information and education became scarce. it provides a domino effect on the whole town that leads to poverty rising, crime rates increasing and people suffering.

The book also shown how minorities were treated in a town that is close-knit. The orphans had been living in a house with the matron couple and they had survived with only their means. With famine and hunger rising in the town, the Ogress that was kind and strong, which represents the minority in a community that had actually helped to build the town again. I actually teared up on how naive and innocent The Ogress is and how she was always misunderstood by the people of the town. It brings to the question of Prejudice in our society and how we judge people based on their looks and impressions that we have of them. It reflects our community as a whole on how we are always so keen and fast to judge others before letting them have their own say in things. Its closely related to the real world which makes me super sad while reading The Ogress POV.

The author honestly did a great job in portraying various emotions of abandoned children, on independency, and on how a community is fallen with a leader that is two-faced and evil behind the "heroic" mask. It shows that it is important to choose our leaders not because of the name and fame that he carries without any proof; its compassion and honesty that makes a good leader, or our lives will be in much dire and desperation.

An engaging read that leaves so much room to discuss. Eventho its a middle grade book, it will be a great book to be discussed in Book Clubs.

Thank you so much to Times Reads for this copy!

[Abby Johnson]

Well. This is definitely a book that I think folks are going to be talking about this year.

The town of Stone-in-the-Glen was once a lovely town. But then the library burned down and the school burned down - different people have different recollections of how this happened - and the new Mayor came. And now the people don't talk to each other anymore. They don't trust each other. They don't work together. And when the Ogress moves in next door and revitalizes an abandoned farm, she starts to leave gifts for the townspeople under cover of darkness. But, though they appreciate the gifts that arrive out of nowhere, the people of the town might not like the idea of living next to an ogress.

The author's note in the beginning of the galley explains that this fairy tale was written as a way of processing the 2016 election and subsequent events that have divided our country. While it's awfully heavy-handed (albeit satisfying to me, personally) coming to it as an adult, I'm really curious what a child's interpretation will be. I'm not sure what all people will be saying about this book, but I do think they will be talking about it!

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It pains me to give this only 3 stars. I rushed out to buy a signed copy the week it was released, but I was underwhelmed.

It took me weeks to get through this children's book. I read a fair amount of kids' books, and this never happens. The plot was terribly predictable. In fact, the author more or less lays out the entire plot at the beginning. There are no surprises, no reason to keep reading. There are so many orphans that they are entirely interchangeable. The author really tries to distinguish the eldest three, but even then, they all blur.

The book is didactic. Children will likely miss that it is a parable inspired by the nastiness of the Trump administration, but the "be kind and neighborly" message is much too simple a message for a book of this length. In the notes at the end, Barnhill mentions that she once considered this might have been a picture book. I think it might have succeeded at that; the message is too simple and the plot and character development too lacking for what this book became.