The Ogress and the Orphans

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! 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.

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Published Oct 31, 2023

416 pages

Average rating: 8.33

12 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

SeeJennRead
Jan 27, 2026
5/10 stars
5 million stars and my random thoughts: I didn’t realize this was a book about stories, which I alway love. Sweet Elijah, people should listen to him more often. I wish I could buy 100 copies of this book and give it to all my neighbors with a pie. I also want to make friends with the crows. I already have a blind dog (tho luckily not the way this dog went blind.)
annah
Aug 16, 2025
10/10 stars
A fairytale about a village that used to be lovely, a suspicious mayor, a group of well read orphans, and a kind hearted ogress. This book is the perfect cozy read that will warm your heart and encourage you to help your community even if it’s hard to see anyone else doing much good. Beautifully written. So wonderful. I will be reading this one again and again because it’s timeless
LMahoney
Jan 26, 2024
8/10 stars
What a lovely book. The Trump-like mayor, the ABC order named orphans, the wonderful ogress, the crows! It was lovely. The narration was good but i didn't feel like i got to know the characters as much as I wanted hence the 4 stars.

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