“Childhood friends work to unravel a mystery surrounding their orphanage, an abandoned school, and the influential family tied to both. Willa's inquiries give clear shape to the failures of American social institutions. These negative situations are good narrative foils, instigating character development.”
-Foreword Reviews, Ian Dailey, 5-star review

“A gratifying, compelling, and unforgettable story of love, belonging, family, community crisis, and friendship, exploring themes of injustice, patriarchy, motherhood, taking responsibility, the consequences of addiction, privilege, gender identity, and broken systems in a thoughtful way. This middle-grade mystery delivers a powerful and heartfelt narrative, with enough depth and novelty to make a story about an orphanage appealing to both young and adult readers. I highly recommend this finely written tale.”
-Readers’ Favorite, Emma Megan, 5-star review

“Upper middle grade and teen readers will find Willa’s story features modern-day concerns, such as drugs and social conditions, while placing Willa and her friends amidst a storm of controversy that is as much about a sense of place and home as it is about safety, recovery, and growth. …Evocatively thought-provoking.”
-Midwest Book Review, D. Donovan, and Donovan’s Bookshelf

“A vibrant middle grade mystery … Willa is a gem of a character who doesn't allow her circumstances to drag down her spirit. For their part, Kacey is a teen with a history of heartbreak, but who refuses to compromise their identity.”
-The BookLife Prize

Read Chapter 1.

Eleven-year-old Willa Johnson has been living at the Southern Ohio Children’s Home 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 facility’s director, Mercy. But the overburdened home is teetering on the edge of financial ruin as Mercy struggles to make ends meet.

The newest resident of the home is Kacey, a nonbinary teen who’s been kicked out by parents who reject their identity. When Willa and Kacey discover a hidden set of diaries written by Mercy’s dead aunt, they unintentionally dig up a dark history that will forever change the kids’ 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 who enjoyed Sydney Dunlap’s Racing the Clouds and Kenneth M. Cadow’s Gather. It will also appeal to adult fans of Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver.