The Barren Grounds by David A. Robertson

Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in an epic middle grade fantasy series fromDavid Robertson.

Morgan and Eli, two Indigenous children forced away from their families and communities, are brought together in a foster home in Winnipeg. 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, Ask, 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. (FromPuffin Canada)

The Barren Groundsisa finalistfor the 2020 Governor General's Literary Prize for young people's literature text.

David A. Robertson is an author andgraphic novelist based in Winnipeg.The multi-talented writer of Swampy Cree heritage has published 25 books across a variety of genres, including the graphic novelsWill I See?andSugar Falls, aGovernor General's Literary Award-winning picture book calledWhen We Were Alone,illustrated by Julie Flett and the YA bookStrangersand the memoirBlack Water.

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Interviews with David A. Robertson

Unreserved43:38'I have so much to say': Cree author David A. Robertson on writing everything from graphic novels to a memoir

To say Cree author David A. Robertson is prolific is a bit of an understatement. He started his writing career in 2009, and has already published more than 20 titles. This fall he has three books being released. This week on Unreserved, an extended conversation with the author.

David A. Robertson browses for comics at Maxx Collectibles in Winnipeg, Man.

6 years ago

Duration 4:48

David A. Robertson is the author of numerous graphic novels, including Will I See?, Betty and Sugar Falls. CBC Books caught up with Robertson at his local comic book store to learn about the comic books he loved reading as a kid.

Books by David A. Robertson