The first book of a series, “The Barren Grounds,” is an authentic Indigenous story about a fantasy world discovered by two foster children, Morgan and Eli, who find themselves living in the same foster home. They traverse a hidden portal and embark on a magical but dangerous journey in the frozen, barren land of Misewa, guided by Ochek and their animal companions. Suitable in a Grade 4–9 classroom, this resource lends itself well as a whole-class read-aloud or as a literature circle choice. It may be used to explore the fantasy genre or as part of a unit about Indigenous stories.