Barren Grounds

About the Book

The Barren Grounds by David A. Robertson is the first book in The Misewa Saga, a middle-grade fantasy series that combines Indigenous storytelling with an adventure into another world.

Morgan and Eli are two Indigenous children living together in a foster home in Winnipeg. Both feel disconnected from their families, culture and new surroundings. When they discover a mysterious portal hidden in an unfinished attic room, they are transported to Askí, a frozen world inhabited by the Misewa people.

A Journey to Askí

In this strange new world, Morgan and Eli meet Ochek, a hunter struggling to find enough food for his community. As winter approaches and the situation becomes increasingly desperate, the children join Ochek on a dangerous mission to help the people of Misewa.

Along the way, they encounter Arik, a mischievous squirrel, and begin learning about survival, community, traditional knowledge and their own connection to Indigenous culture.

Indigenous Stories and Fantasy

David A. Robertson weaves elements of Cree and other Indigenous storytelling traditions into a fantasy adventure inspired in part by classic portal-fantasy literature. The novel explores family, identity, culture, friendship and the importance of community while taking young readers into an imaginative new world.

Who Is It For?

This book is suitable for middle-grade readers aged 10 and above who enjoy fantasy adventures, portal stories, Indigenous stories, mythology and character-driven children's fiction.

Key Features

Middle-grade fantasy novel; Book 1 of The Misewa Saga; Indigenous storytelling; portal to another world; Cree cultural elements; adventure and survival; themes of family, identity and community; illustrated fantasy setting; suitable for ages 10+.

Product Details

Author: David A. Robertson; Title: The Barren Grounds; Series: The Misewa Saga, Book 1; Publisher: Tundra Books; ISBN: 9780735266124; Format: Paperback; Pages: 256; Publication Date: 31 August 2021; Language: English; Recommended Age: 10+; Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy.

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