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The Barren Grounds

The Misewa Saga, Book 1

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The Barren Grounds

Written by: David A. Robertson
Narrated by: Brefny Caribou
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About this listen

Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in an epic middle-grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.

Morgan and Eli, two Indigenous children forced away from their families and communities, are brought together in a foster home in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They each feel disconnected, from their culture and each other, and struggle to fit in at school and at their new home—until they find a secret place, walled off in an unfinished attic bedroom.

A portal opens to another reality, Askí, bringing them onto frozen, barren grounds, where they meet Ochek (Fisher). The only hunter supporting his starving community, Misewa, Ochek welcomes the human children, teaching them traditional ways to survive. But as the need for food becomes desperate, they embark on a dangerous mission.

Accompanied by Arik, a sassy Squirrel they catch stealing from the trapline, they try to save Misewa before the icy grip of winter freezes everything—including them.

©2020 David A. Robertson (P)2020 Penguin Random House Canada Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths Family Life Fantasy Fantasy & Magic Fiction Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Indigenous Creators Literature & Fiction Native American Science Fiction & Fantasy

What the critics say

2021, Diamond Willow Award: Short-listed

2022, First Nations Communities Read Award: Long-listed

2020, Governor General’s Literary Award - Young People’s Literature - Text: Short-listed

2021, National Chapter IODE Violet Downey Award: Short-listed

2021, Panda Book Award: Nominated

2022, Rocky Mountain Book Award: Nominated,

2021, Silver Birch Award for Fiction: Nominated

2022, Surrey Schools Book of the Year: Nominated,

2021, TD Canadian Children's Literature Award: Short-listed

A 2021 Governor General’s Literary Award for Young People's Literature Nominee
One of Quill & Quire's Best Books of 2020
Recommended by booksellers on NPR's Code Switch
One of CBC Books' Best Middle-Grade and Young Adult Books of 2020
One of Canadian Children's Book News’ Best Books of 2020
A CBC Books Bestseller

"This middle-grade fantasy deftly and compellingly centers Indigenous culture." —STARRED REVIEW, Kirkus Reviews

“[T]he treatment of Cree culture resonates, and the engaging characters and folklore ensure readers will look forward to the next installment.” —Publishers Weekly

“Reminiscent of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia stories, this fantasy is very much its own tale of ruptured Indigenous culture, of environmental reciprocity and care.” —Toronto Star
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If you like chronicles of Narnia, you’ll enjoy this story. It’s definitely geared towards younger readers, but I think everyone can enjoy the characters the plot and the suspense.

Definitely worth the read

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This will definitely be going into my class library as a go to novel for middle years students.

C. S. Lewis would be impressed

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I had to listen to this book as a board wide study, originally I wasn’t too thrilled as I don’t read very often. However when I started to read this I couldn’t put it down I can’t wait for book two.

Very captivating

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Wonderful incorporation of Indigenous language and culture. Many similarities to the Chronicles of Narnia but better in many ways. A refreshing new voice with believable characters who are struggling with their cultural identity and place in the world after being in the foster system. Highly recommend.

Similar to Narnia but with Cree focus

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I think what I like most about this book is the fact that it is read so beautifully. The speakers cadence feel s authentic. As a teacher it is nice to know that the words of the First Nations are being said and interpreted properly which is why I referred to it Ivan when teaching the children rather than me trying to say the words ineptly.

bought as a novel study grade 6

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This is a must read adventure and storytelling for all Middle Years students. Exciting storyline and beautiful themes of remembering and recovering one's identity and connectedness to the land. Loved it.

A must read for all Canadian middle years students

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Was a very interesting book I was hooked very fast and I really enjoyed this whole book

Book was great

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The plot is very simple. Everything is explained leaving little to think about. There’s a lot of Grimm fairytale in it. Is the writer mocking elders when the language formalizes and she slips into the stereotyped Wise One after having the protagonist complain about that?? Seems mocking.

Okay

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Do not read ever this garbage this is the worst book I have ever read👎👎.

Bad

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