read_nap_repeat's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
tolkienfarie's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
jburgener2's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
iffer's review
3.0
This is a solid juvenile fiction/middle grade fiction fantasy book about foster siblings who are transported to another world reflective of Cree stories. I appreciated the indigenous representation, as well as the author touching on difficult, nuanced topics such as fostered/adopted children coming to terms with their family and culture, and ultimately building their identities and found family. I also like that the author doesn't have qualms about mentioning white saviorism or having a villain who is "just a middle-aged white man."
The pacing felt a little bit off/slow, with it taking a significant amount of time for magic to even show up in the story. This is told in a way that is reminiscent of older nature quest tale, so it's possible that kids might find it a bit slow until the action ramps up near the end.
The pacing felt a little bit off/slow, with it taking a significant amount of time for magic to even show up in the story. This is told in a way that is reminiscent of older nature quest tale, so it's possible that kids might find it a bit slow until the action ramps up near the end.
camilleslibrary's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
lorenadh27's review
4.0
Pretty good story. Was considering this as an option for a grade 7 kid I tutor and I think it would work for kids between grades 5 and 7 and could lend itself to some interesting discussions.
petitestory's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
k_dog_reads's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
lmy612's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
An absolutely beautiful book about family, friendship, the damage of greed, the power of doing the right thing, the importance of trust, and more than a little magic.
The Barren Grounds is an indigenous story about a fantasy world very much like C. S. Lewis’ Narnia, but also completely different. Very well written and I couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait to start the second book in the series; The Great Bear.
The Barren Grounds is an indigenous story about a fantasy world very much like C. S. Lewis’ Narnia, but also completely different. Very well written and I couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait to start the second book in the series; The Great Bear.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Animal death, and Death
Moderate: Grief, Violence, Blood, and Injury/injury detail