66 pages 2 hours read

David Alexander Robertson

The Barren Grounds

Fiction | Graphic Novel/Book | Middle Grade | Published in 2020

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In The Barren Grounds by David A. Robertson, Morgan and Eli, two Indigenous children in foster care, discover a portal in the attic of their foster home that transports them to Askí, a world trapped in eternal winter. They team up with the fisher Ochek and the squirrel Arik to bring back the summer birds, stolen by a man who put the land in "White Time." Their adventure involves overcoming obstacles, battling a wolf named Mahihkan, and ultimately restoring balance to Askí. The story emphasizes themes of cultural identity, belonging, and the importance of community.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

David Alexander Robertson's The Barren Grounds is praised for its imaginative world-building and effective integration of Cree culture. The characters are engaging, particularly the protagonists, whose journey is both heartwarming and educational. However, some criticized the pacing as uneven. Overall, it is highly recommended for its cultural richness and captivating adventure.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Barren Grounds?

The ideal reader for David Alexander Robertson's The Barren Grounds is a young adult who enjoys culturally rich fantasy adventures akin to C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia or Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials. Fans of these series will appreciate Robertson's Indigenous storytelling woven into a compelling narrative.

RecommendedReading Age

8-12years

Lexile Level

680L

Book Details

Genre

Fantasy

Action / Adventure

Themes

Society: Colonialism

Natural World: Environment

Self Discovery