The Misewa Saga
Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in an epic middle-grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.
Synopsis:
Eli must embrace his unique heritage and make an impossible decision about his future, and the future of Misewa, in this thrilling last adventure in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series.
Eli, Morgan and Emily manage to free themselves from captivity as the battle between the humans, animal beings, and Bird Warriors rages on. But there's another, more personal battle, as Eli and an unlikely ally fight to save Mahihkan’s life through a previously forbidden portal. When the Sleeping Giant rumbles to life, the stakes hit an all-time high, and Eli has to reach deep within himself to summon the power so that he can protect Misewa against the dangers of colonization . . . forever.
Educator & Series Information
Recommended ages 10+.
This is Book 6 of the Misewa Saga. Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in this epic middle-grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.
Additional Information
280 pages | 5.50" x 8.25" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
Eli and Morgan experience life-changing revelations in this new adventure in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series.
While exploring World’s End, an area in Aski they've just discovered, Morgan and Emily delight in their developing relationship, while Eli struggles to understand his new-found power: the ability to locate a portal. A shocking turn of events leads them to a new village, Ministik, where the animal beings who live there are going missing. Horrified to discover who is responsible, the children vow to help and turn to friends, old and new. But it's getting harder and harder to keep the two worlds separate, especially when details of a traditional legend change everything. Forever.
Reviews
"Delivers what series fans have come to expect: fast-paced adventure, humorous banter, and tender explorations of Indigenous experiences." —Kirkus Reviews
"David A. Robertson’s novel The Portal Keeper, a remix of The Chronicles of Narnia set in Winnipeg, is an exciting new instalment that adds its distinct touch on the world that Robertson has been building on for the past four years." —Northern News Service
"The Portal Keeper is another excellent instalment in the Misewa Saga. Robertson’s increasingly masterful prose keeps readers engaged, curious, and on the edge of their seats."—The Anishinabek News
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 10+.
This is the fourth book in the Misewa Saga. Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in this epic middle-grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.
Additional Information
256 pages | 5.50" x 8.25" | Paperback
Synopsis:
Eli and Morgan embark on a dangerous mission to rescue kidnapped animal beings in this new adventure in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series.
Eli, Morgan and Emily embark on their most dangerous mission yet, to save the kidnapped animal beings of Ministik. But before they can reach the heavily guarded Land of the Sleeping Giant, Eli must rally more help, not just from old friends, but from surprising new allies. And he must rely on a new way to travel: on the back of the leader of the Bird Warriors himself, Pip. Together they will journey across the North Country, on a mission to reconnect the Bird Warriors, as well as confront old enemies. But even as he must fight for his life – and the lives of his friends and new family – Eli must also come to terms with his newfound knowledge: What does it mean that he is only part human?
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 10+.
This is the fifth book in the Misewa Saga. Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in this epic middle-grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.
The Misewa Saga series reflects stories of the sky and the constellations held within its great canvas. The word “misewa” is Cree for “all that is” — elders say that what is above is mirrored below, and this is the connection we have with misewa.
Additional Information
216 pages | 5.50" x 8.25" | Hardcover
Synopsis:
It's a race against time to save Eli, in this third book in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series.
After discovering a near-lifeless Eli at the base of the Great Tree, Morgan knows she doesn't have much time to save him. And it will mean asking for help — from friends old and new. Racing against the clock, and with Arik and Emily at her side, Morgan sets off to follow the trail away from the Great Tree to find Eli's soul before it's too late. As they journey deep into the northern woods, a place they've been warned never to enter, they face new challenges and life-threatening attacks from strange and horrifying creatures. But a surprise ally comes to their aid, and Morgan finds the strength to focus on what's most important: saving her brother's life.
Reviews
"Girl power is front and center in the latest Misewa adventure . . . there's a lot of urgencies, a lot of action, a lot of emotion as events include satisfying reunions and heartbreaking loss." —Common Sense Media
"As readers, we were able to learn a lot about Cree culture in a way that's not achievable through textbooks . . . these books would be a great addition to any classroom library." —The Suburban
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 10+
This is Book 3 in the Misewa Saga. Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in this epic middle-grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.
Additional Information
256 pages | 5.50" x 8.19" | Paperback
Synopsis:
In this second book in the Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series, Eli and Morgan journey once more to Misewa, travelling back in time.
Back at home after their first adventure in the Barren Grounds, Eli and Morgan each struggle with personal issues: Eli is being bullied at school, and tries to hide it from Morgan, while Morgan has to make an important decision about her birth mother. They turn to the place where they know they can learn the most, and make the journey to Misewa to visit their animal friends. This time they travel back in time and meet a young fisher that might just be their lost friend. But they discover that the village is once again in peril, and they must dig deep within themselves to find the strength to protect their beloved friends. Can they carry this strength back home to face their own challenges?
Awards
- 2022 Silver Birch Award for Fiction
Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 10+.
This is the second book in the Misewa Saga.
This book is available in French: Le grand ours.
Additional Information
240 pages | 5.62" x 8.25" | Paperback
Synopsis:
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.
Reviews
"David A. Robertson has written such a fine, beautiful novel. He manages to combine hard truths about our history with a Narnia-like fantasy, sweeping us into the world of the story while opening our hearts as well." -- Susin Nielsen, author of We Are All Made of Molecules and No Fixed Address
“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
"This middle-grade fantasy deftly and compellingly centers Indigenous culture." --STARRED REVIEW, Kirkus Reviews
"The Barren Grounds: The Misewa Saga is a story about two Indigenous children forced away from their families to a foster home in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Struggling to fit, the two children find a space in the attic that opens a portal into another realm. They learn the traditional ways to survive and embark on a dangerous mission there." - The Dalai Lama Center
Educator & Series Information
For ages 10+ (middle-grades).
This is Book 1 of the Misewa Saga. Narnia meets traditional Indigenous stories of the sky and constellations in this epic middle-grade fantasy series from award-winning author David Robertson.
This book is available in French: La saga Misewa: N° 1 - Les terres isolées.
Additional Information
256 pages | 5.44" x 8.25" | Jacket art and interior illustrations Natasha Donovan | Paperback