The Barren Grounds: The Misewa Saga, Book One: 1

I enjoyed reading The Barren Grounds by David A. Robertson. It is instantly engaging. I could easily relate to Morgan and Eli’s disconnect with their foster family and their difficulty in fitting in their school. I could also relate to their foster parents’ attempts to win over their hearts.Due to the disconnect they feel with their current surroundings and their intense longing for their families and community, they both are lonely. Consequently, both stick to themselves and do not interact with others.Further, Morgan has difficulty believing she deserves kindness from the world. Her mother left her resulting in her low self-esteem. This, in turn, results in her lashing out at others. Eli, on the other hand, is the quiet kid who understands a lot more than he lets it on.It is only when Morgan is being kind to Eli, and he behaves the same way, that she realizes the fault of her ways.It is mysterious and gripping. The portal to Aski plunges Morgan and Eli down a rabbit hole and changes their lives forever. It was exciting to travel with Morgan, Eli, Ochek, and Arik on their perilous adventure and watch them overcome the obstacles on the way.The book is vividly descriptive. It is a journey of self-discovery, finding your family, and facing your fears head-on. It is also a commentary on how man’s greed is destroying nature and inhibiting its ability to provide more for us.The book starts on a great note, however, at 38% becomes a little boring. The pace picks up again after 45%. The actual journey does not start until after 60%. It has a self-sacrificing noble hero, two brave kids eager to go on an adventure, talking animals, and most importantly, snow. Lots of snow.The book will appeal to young children a lot. Further, it is a perfect script to be adapted into a movie. However, I felt the book could have been better. In my humble opinion, the comparison to Chronicles of Narnia might have worked to the book’s disadvantage. It is not as grand as the former.Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and heartily recommend it for children looking for an exciting adventure.Many thanks to the publisher for approving my copy of the book via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion on the book.

You need to read this book! I've been teaching for years and I'm also the Indigenous education chair for my teacher's association. We have multiple copies in our ed library and I have shared it with many other teachers who have used it. Students and adults alike love this novel! (Check out the sequel as well, The Great Bear)Fantasy, relatable characters, life lessons, adventure, endless cliff-hangers and twists and turns, and an Indigenous perspective. David A Robertson is an author genius!This will be a novel you will devour and never forget!

Though a young adult book, it is still amazing and could not put it down!

Amazing book and my daughter had it signed by the author

Can't wait for the third one

My son says it’s a pretty bad book.