The Ogress and the Orphans is a New York Times Best Seller.[3]
The book was generally well-received by critics, including starred reviewed from Booklist,[4] Kirkus Reviews,[3] Publishers Weekly,[5] School Library Journal,[6] and Shelf Awareness.[7] Booklist's Julia Smith wrote, "Barnhill’s gift for storytelling immediately draws readers into this character-driven tale where dragons lurk, crows prove great friends, and an unusual narrator relays events with a unique perspective. These fairy-tale trappings cloak modern lessons and timeless ideals that readers will do well to take to heart, no matter their age."[4] Kirkus called the book "as exquisite as it is moving," and commented on the story's pace, which allows for readers to "form their own opinions on the book's philosophical and thematic questions."[3] Publishers Weekly also noted the "slowly unfurling, deliberately paced" storytelling by Barnhill, and praised her use of allegories to present sociopolitical topics to the readers.[5] Jaclyn Fulwood, writing for Shelf Awareness, noted, "Despite the deceptive simplicity of the story, characters act in wonderfully complex ways... Deeply moving and often hilarious, The Ogress and the Orphans will encourage readers to live by the Ogress's adage: 'The more you give, the more you have.'"[7] School Library Journal called the book "a middle grade novel with heart," saying it "will be a hit with educators, parents, and students who will push through the injustices to favor hope."[6]
The School Librarian's reviewer called the book a "powerful fable that draws you in and challenges the reader." They noted how Barnhill discusses pertinent topics, such as fake news, propaganda and power abuse. They conclude by calling it a "fantastic book."[8] A review published by The Horn Book Magazine called The Ogress and the Orphans "one of the more buoyant of the fictional responses to 'the Dark Days of a Certain Administration'."[9]
Kirkus[3] and Shelf Awareness[10] included The Ogress and the Orphans on their lists of the best children's and young adult books of the year. Booklist included it in their top 10 lists for "SF/Fantasy & Horror for Youth"[11] and "Middle-Grade Novels Where Kids Save the Day."[12]
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