66 pages • 2 hours read
The Barren Grounds
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Book Brief
The Barren Grounds
Fiction | Graphic Novel/Book | Middle Grade | Published in 2020256
Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction
Winnipeg, Canada • Contemporary
2020
Middle grade
8-12 years
680L
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.
Mysterious
Adventurous
Fantastical
Emotional
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
5,511 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
5,511 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
256
Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction
Winnipeg, Canada • Contemporary
2020
Middle grade
8-12 years
680L
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