Since 2010, the Global Read Aloud program has chosen one book to read aloud and share with students around the world, making a global connection with readers everywhere. We are thrilled to share that David A. Robertson’s The Barren Grounds has been chosen as the 2021 middle school title. Congratulations, David!
The Barren Grounds: The Misewa Saga #1
By David A. Robertson
256 Pages | Ages 10+ | Hardcover
ISBN 9780735266100 | Puffin Canada
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.
Here’s what you need to know about the Global Read Aloud:
- Kick off will be October 4th and the project will run for six weeks, ending on November 12th.
- You can start reading later but try not to read too far ahead!
- The official hashtag for the year is #GRA21 and the hashtag for this book will be #GRABarren
- To join the main Facebook group, please go here. To join the early reader’s Facebook group, please go here.
- Check out their comprehensive FAQ here.
Here’s the reading schedule:
Week 1: Oct. 4th – 8th : Chapters 1 – 5
Week 2: Oct. 11th – 15th: Chapters 6 – 10
Week 3: Oct. 18 – 22nd: Chapters 11 – 14
Week 4: Oct. 25th – 29th: Chapters 15 – 18
Week 5: Nov. 1st – 5th: Chapters 19 -22
Week 6: Nov. 8th – 12th: Chapters 23 – end
Looking for an Educators’ Guide? Click here and watch David A. Robertson tell you more about the book and series in his Bookformercial here.