[1] Barnhill finished the manuscript for the book around the time George Floyd was murdered, and after seeing the community's response to this event, which included donation of basic items to people in need, she discussed with her editor about adding that aspect to the narrative of The Ogress and the Orphans.

[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.

"[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.

'"[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.

"[9] 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'.