The Barren Grounds by David A. Robertson

The Barren Grounds

The Misewa Saga, Book One

David A. Robertson, David Alexander Robertson

Tundra Book Group · Print & ebook · August 31, 2021

Two Indigenous foster children discover a portal to another reality, Aski, where they embark on a dangerous mission to help the starving community there.

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Who it’s for
A steady, page-turning read for following David A. Robertson into another series.
Genres
Magic & Fantasy, Native Canadian Stories, Survival Stories
Published
Tundra Book Group, August 31, 2021

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About this book

Two Indigenous foster children discover a portal to another reality, Aski, where they embark on a dangerous mission to help the starving community there. The exciting first book in this epic Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series. Morgan and Eli, two Indigenous children forced away from their families and communities, are brought together in a foster home in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Continue reading

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.

Why This Clicks

A steady, page-turning read for following David A. Robertson into another series.

Come here for

  • A familiar author’s next stop
  • A sustained, immersive read

Expect

  • Series-book setup
  • A long-form narrative rhythm

Where it sits

Native Canadian Stories56%
Survival Stories53%
Magic & Fantasy47%

Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.

Publisher categories

  • Orphans & Foster Kids
  • Indigenous Teachings
  • Magic & Fantasy
Authors
David A. Robertson, David Alexander Robertson
Publisher
Tundra Book Group
Published
August 31, 2021
Format
Print & ebook
Reading lane
Orphans & Foster Kids