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The Barren Grounds
- The Misewa Saga, Book One
- Narrated by: Brefny Caribou
- Length: 7 hrs and 39 mins
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fucuttfuyygiuygiuygiytfyutfuyfyufytfytyutfuytfutt johgiuygyougouygouygouygouyguiygkuygiuygiuyguyguygiuyg vgjhgiuygg(u gyuuyguh
- By Shelley on 2023-12-26
Written by: R. J. Palacio
Publisher's Summary
Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in an epic middle-grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.
Morgan and Eli, two Indigenous children forced away from their families and communities, are brought together in a foster home in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They each feel disconnected, from their culture and each other, and struggle to fit in at school and at their new home - until they find a secret place, walled off in an unfinished attic bedroom.
A portal opens to another reality, Askí, bringing them onto frozen, barren grounds, where they meet Ochek (Fisher). The only hunter supporting his starving community, Misewa, Ochek welcomes the human children, teaching them traditional ways to survive. But as the need for food becomes desperate, they embark on a dangerous mission.
Accompanied by Arik, a sassy Squirrel they catch stealing from the trapline, they try to save Misewa before the icy grip of winter freezes everything - including them.
What the critics say
2021 Diamond Willow Award
2021 Governor General’s Literary Award - Young People’s Literature - Text
2021 National Chapter IODE Violet Downey Award
2021 Panda Book Award"
2022 Rocky Mountain Book Award
2021 Silver Birch Award for Fiction
2022 Surrey Schools Book of the Year
2021 TD Canadian Children's Literature Award
“This is a book that is rich in its characterization, evocative in its descriptions, and skillful in its weaving together of traditions of the past and life in the present.” (CM Magazine)
“[T]he treatment of Cree culture resonates, and the engaging characters and folklore ensure readers will look forward to the next installment.” (Publishers Weekly)
"This middle-grade fantasy deftly and compellingly centers Indigenous culture." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)
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What listeners say about The Barren Grounds
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Jenna
- 2021-04-07
Very captivating
I had to listen to this book as a board wide study, originally I wasn’t too thrilled as I don’t read very often. However when I started to read this I couldn’t put it down I can’t wait for book two.
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- Kevin S
- 2023-06-13
Definitely worth the read
If you like chronicles of Narnia, you’ll enjoy this story. It’s definitely geared towards younger readers, but I think everyone can enjoy the characters the plot and the suspense.
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- Joe
- 2022-01-10
C. S. Lewis would be impressed
This will definitely be going into my class library as a go to novel for middle years students.
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- Stephanie
- 2023-08-24
Similar to Narnia but with Cree focus
Wonderful incorporation of Indigenous language and culture. Many similarities to the Chronicles of Narnia but better in many ways. A refreshing new voice with believable characters who are struggling with their cultural identity and place in the world after being in the foster system. Highly recommend.
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- Holly
- 2024-03-26
bought as a novel study grade 6
I think what I like most about this book is the fact that it is read so beautifully. The speakers cadence feel s authentic. As a teacher it is nice to know that the words of the First Nations are being said and interpreted properly which is why I referred to it Ivan when teaching the children rather than me trying to say the words ineptly.
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- Britt Stromberg
- 2021-01-28
A must read for all Canadian middle years students
This is a must read adventure and storytelling for all Middle Years students. Exciting storyline and beautiful themes of remembering and recovering one's identity and connectedness to the land. Loved it.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 2023-06-12
Book was great
Was a very interesting book I was hooked very fast and I really enjoyed this whole book
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- sara
- 2022-10-02
Okay
The plot is very simple. Everything is explained leaving little to think about. There’s a lot of Grimm fairytale in it. Is the writer mocking elders when the language formalizes and she slips into the stereotyped Wise One after having the protagonist complain about that?? Seems mocking.
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- Sean Webster
- 2023-04-14
Bad
Do not read ever this garbage this is the worst book I have ever read👎👎.
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