66 pages • 2 hours read
David Alexander RobertsonThe Barren Grounds
Fiction | Graphic Novel/Book | Middle Grade | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
680L