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The Barren Grounds

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

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Book Brief

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David Alexander Robertson

The Barren Grounds

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

256

Format

Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction

Setting

Winnipeg, Canada • Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

2020

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

680L

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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.

Mysterious

Adventurous

Fantastical

Emotional

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.2

5,511 ratings

72%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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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.

4.2

5,511 ratings

72%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Morgan

Morgan is the protagonist of the story. She is a 13-year-old Cree girl who has been in foster care since she was three. She struggles with feelings of anger, identity, and self-worth. Her adventures in Misewa help her reconnect with her heritage and transform her perspective on love and acceptance.

Eli is Morgan’s 12-year-old foster brother and also a Cree member. Initially quiet and withdrawn, his love for drawing and the journey to Misewa fosters courage and connection. He plays a crucial role in Morgan's journey and in Misewa's fate through his kind and gentle nature.

Ochek, a talking animal resembling a mix between a red panda and a beaver, is the hunter and protector for the Misewa villagers. Wise and skilled, he guides Morgan and Eli in their journey and serves as a mentor, showing them the history and survival techniques of Misewa.

Arikwachas, or Arik, is a clever and fast squirrel who helps guide the group to the Green Time in Misewa. Initially seen as an outsider, Arik proves her worth by risking her life to help Morgan and Eli, ultimately earning a place in the community she desires.

Mason is the antagonist who brought the White Time to Misewa by stealing the summer birds. First known simply as "the man," his actions endanger all of Misewa. He represents the greed and ambition typical of colonizers and poses a significant threat until the end of the story.

Mahihkan is a talking wolf who initially opposes Morgan, Eli, and their crew in rescuing the summer birds. Once a traitor to his kind, Mahihkan is moved by Eli's faith and kindness, leading to a change in his character.

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction

Setting

Winnipeg, Canada • Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

2020

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

680L

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