Kelly Barnhill's The Ogress and the Orphans is highly praised for its lyrical prose, enchanting storytelling, and rich themes of community and kindness. Critics appreciate its timely social commentary, though some note a slower pace may deter younger readers. Overall, it’s a heartwarming tale that resonates with both children and adults.

Readers who enjoy heartwarming tales with a touch of magic, similar to The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill or The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo, will relish The Ogress and the Orphans. This book is perfect for fans of middle-grade fiction that combines fantasy with deep, emotional storytelling.

The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill is a children's fantasy story set in the town of Stone-in-the-Glen, where the kind Ogress secretly helps the residents with treats while the town's deceptive Mayor, a disguised dragon, manipulates them. The orphans, who never believe the false accusations against the Ogress, help her and the townspeople recognize her true benevolence, leading to community restoration and the eventual unmasking of the Mayor's deceitful nature.

Fantastical / Mysterious / Heartwarming / Inspirational / Contemplative

- The Ogress and the Orphans is written by Kelly Barnhill, the same author who won the Newbery Medal for her book The Girl Who Drank the Moon.
- Kelly Barnhill announced in interviews that she was inspired to write The Ogress and the Orphans after reflecting on community resilience and kindness during challenging times.
- The author, Kelly Barnhill, is known for weaving magical realism with heartfelt narratives, which is a characteristic feature in The Ogress and the Orphans, enhancing its appeal to both children and adults.

**The Ogress**  
A kind-hearted and patient character who defies typical fairy tale expectations by helping the townspeople in secret, despite being an ogre.

**The Mayor/Dragon**  
The antagonist who takes pleasure in creating chaos and discord within the town, driven by an insatiable greed for wealth.

**Anthea**  
The eldest orphan known for her logical approach and dedication to improving the lives of others, particularly through her research and storytelling.

**Bartleby**  
The philosophical second-oldest orphan with mismatched eyes who explores multiple perspectives to understand the world around him.

**Cass**  
An action-oriented orphan who steps up to take on additional responsibilities during challenging times and unintentionally triggers major events in the story.

**Elijah**  
A young orphan with a special affinity for stories, representing the archetype of a storyteller within the fairy tale genre.

**Myron**  
The husband of the Matron of the Orphan House who bravely rescued books from a fire, embodying the idea of living fully despite his injuries.

**The Butcher**  
A town resident who is swayed by the Mayor's influence but demonstrates a more compassionate side when helping during a crisis.

**Harold**  
A crow associated with the Ogress who is shunned by other crows for prioritizing the town’s welfare over traditional crow behavior.

**The Stone**  
An omniscient narrator of the story that holds all knowledge and represents boundless wisdom without human biases.

**The Cobbler’s Wife**  
A voice of reason and community leader who steps up to organize the town and assist the Orphan House, later assuming a leadership role.

**The Younger Orphans**  
Representatives of non-traditional families who rely on the older orphans, highlighting themes of growth and responsibility.

**The Matron**  
The adult in charge of the Orphan House, exhibiting leadership while gradually allowing the younger generation to take on more responsibility.

Kelly Barnhill

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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The Ogress and the Orphans Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Ogress and the Orphans Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-5

The Ogress and the Orphans Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-9

The Ogress and the Orphans Chapters 6-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-15

The Ogress and the Orphans Chapters 10-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-19

The Ogress and the Orphans Chapters 16-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-24

The Ogress and the Orphans Chapters 20-24 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 25-30

The Ogress and the Orphans Chapters 25-30 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 31-36

The Ogress and the Orphans Chapters 31-36 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 37-42

The Ogress and the Orphans Chapters 37-42 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 43-49

The Ogress and the Orphans Chapters 43-49 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 50-54

The Ogress and the Orphans Chapters 50-54 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Ogress and the Orphans Character Analysis

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Themes

The Ogress and the Orphans Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Ogress and the Orphans Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Ogress and the Orphans Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Ogress and the Orphans Essay Topics

Introduction

The Ogress and the Orphans Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

The Ogress and the Orphans Before Reading

During Reading

The Ogress and the Orphans During Reading

After Reading

The Ogress and the Orphans After Reading

The Ogress and the Orphans

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read The Ogress and the Orphans?

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Book Details