ORPHANLAND IBD

Sinopse

Will dark secrets from a small townâÇÖs past help orphans of the opioid crisis build a brighter future?Eleven-year-old Willa Johnson has been living at the Southern Ohio ChildrenâÇÖs Home ever since her mother died from a drug overdose. The old mansion provides a safe haven in her rural town for orphans affected by the opioid epidemic, and Willa hopes never to leave-she loves learning, her daily responsibilities, and especially the facilityâÇÖs director, Mercy. But the overburdened home is teetering on the edge of financial ruin, as Mercy struggles to make ends meet.áThe newest resident of the home is Kacey, a nonbinary teen whoâÇÖs been kicked out by parents who reject their identity. When Willa and Kacey discover a hidden set of diaries written by MercyâÇÖs dead aunt, they unintentionally dig up a dark history that will forever change the kidsâÇÖ future-for better or worse.With Willa as the unforgettable ringleader, Orphanland is a hopeful coming-of-age mystery set against the backdrop of the opioid crisis, exploring themes of loss, privilege, social justice, and resilience. Containing plenty of mischief alongside tragedy and hope, Orphanland is perfect for upper middle grade and teen readers (grades 4-8, ages 10+) who enjoyed Sydney DunlapâÇÖs Racing the Clouds and Kenneth M. CadowâÇÖs Gather.