The Ogress and the Orphans
Ratings15
Average rating3.8
Warm and kind, but also predictable (which knocked off one star). The chapters in the beginning didn't connect much, but the story became clearer about a tenth of the way through.
A little long though.
3.8ish? Full review to come but for now, it read much more junior than middle grade, might be something for parents to read together with their elementary school kids (or out loud) and discuss.
Quite repetitive and kinda preachy fable. But there's a lot of great messages here, a clear dig at Trump and his politics. Also messages against xenophobia, discrimination, greed. It's all about giving, power of community, and especially love of books. I did connect with the characters and a few scenes got me worried and almost teary eyed.
this book whips ass
the allegory is NOT SUBTLE but it's so perfect. this feels timeless, seems like it would be great bedtime reading (and perhaps...discussion-causing).
A huge theme of this book is kindness and it is refreshing. The audio book was good and I put it on about 2x speed ~ I got this book free at the library through libby!
Kelly Barnhill's books tend to be a slow burn, but great care is taken in the details and world/character building that it really pays off. A great story, an ogress take care of the town who hasn't seen kindness in a long time. Her fav. orphan's get involved in the town. This comes from during trump and seeing a TON of unkindess going around. You can tell this was in inspiration for the dragon character and her response is to give generously, patiently, and using kindness to reach the citizens of the town.
I also like the importance of libraries and books the author used through-out as well. Every town needs a library and it really does help build a community.
