From the Bookshelf of Mock Newbery 2026…

The Ogress and the Orphans

Kelly Barnhill

Start date: April 1, 2022

Finish date: April 30, 2022

Discussion: Newbery 2023

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Showing 2 of 19 topics — 363 comments total

Newbery 2023

* 2023 Mock Newbery Winner
By Kristen · 1 post · 136 views

last updated Jan 30, 2023 06:00AM

* 2023 ALA Newbery Award
By Kristen · 31 posts · 204 views

last updated Apr 25, 2023 05:15PM

What Members Thought

Nov 04, 2022 Dest rated it it was ok

Shelves: middle-grade, fantasy, audio

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 ...more

9 likes · Like · see review

Feb 21, 2022 Tamsyn rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fms, best-of-the-year, humorous, animal-tales, children-s-fantasy, read-aloud, mock-newbery

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 — a ...more

7 likes · Like · see review

May 07, 2022 Mary Lee rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2022, fantasy, knock-my-socks-off, potential-newbery, parable, books

Move this to the top of your TBR stack. Can't wait to talk about it with you (I'll tell you why it took me so long to finish it). I'll bring the pie, you bring the bird-shaped cookies. Cats and crows will be welcome. ...more

6 likes · Like · see review

Jul 22, 2022 Anna rated it really liked it

This children's fantasy/fable is a slow-moving yet satisfying story that reveals a town that was once industrious, kind, and friendly, but has become a distrustful and isolated place under the disinformation of a nefarious mayor. It can be seen as a metaphor for our own country with the overarching themes regarding the power of community, friendship, service, and love. It is a gentle story with many layers to appreciate for all ages from child to adult. ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jun 01, 2023 Michele rated it it was amazing

Shelves: juvenile-8-12, book-club

This story is SO apropos to our times! I don't know if it was intended to be a political commentary on society in the US, but it fits in a scary, crazy way. This would be an excellent way to start some important conversations with your family.

Cleverly done! ...more

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