David A. Robertson

David A. Robertson is a Swampy Cree author from Winnipeg, Manitoba who writes books for children, young adults, and adults. He has published over 25 books across multiple genres including memoir, fantasy, graphic novels, and picture books. Robertson is particularly known for works that explore Indigenous identity, culture and history, including The Great Bear (Tales of As'at'iwēw trilogy), On the Trapline, and Black Water: Family, Legacy, and Blood Memory. His young adult series The Reckoner has earned significant recognition, with the first book Strangers receiving the 2018 Michael Van Rooy Award for Genre Fiction. His work in children's literature includes several acclaimed picture books that introduce young readers to Indigenous perspectives and experiences. Notable titles like When We Were Alone, which addresses residential schools, have received numerous awards including the Governor General's Literary Award. Beyond his writing, Robertson serves as a mentor for Indigenous writers and regularly speaks about Indigenous literature and reconciliation. He has contributed significantly to Indigenous representation in Canadian literature and media through both his creative work and advocacy.

Readers appreciate Robertson's focus on Indigenous experiences and his ability to make complex topics accessible to young audiences. His storytelling weaves traditional knowledge with contemporary issues. Many cite The Barren Grounds for helping their children understand Indigenous culture and colonialism through an engaging fantasy narrative. Readers like: - Clear, direct writing style - Strong character development - Educational value without being didactic - Authentic representation of Indigenous perspectives Common criticisms: - Some books start slow before gaining momentum - Occasional uneven pacing - A few readers found the dialogue stilted in places Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: - The Barren Grounds: 4.0/5 (2,000+ ratings) - On the Trapline: 4.3/5 (500+ ratings) - When We Were Alone: 4.5/5 (1,000+ ratings) Amazon: - Average 4.5/5 across titles - Multiple reviewers note using his books in classrooms - Parents highlight the books' ability to spark family discussions One teacher wrote: "Robertson makes difficult historical topics approachable without diminishing their importance."

On the Trapline - A picture book following a grandson who visits his Moshom's trapline, learning about his family's connection to the land and traditional Cree way of life.

The Misewa Saga Series: - The Barren Grounds - Two Indigenous children discover a portal to a dimension inspired by Cree stories, where they help save a hunter's community from endless winter. - The Great Bear - Morgan and Eli return to Askí through a magical portal, encountering new creatures and facing greater challenges in the world of Misewa. - The Stone Child - The third installment follows Morgan and Eli as they journey deeper into Askí while confronting personal struggles and community threats.

When We Were Alone - A picture book that tells the story of a grandmother explaining her residential school experience to her grandchild.

Black Water: Family, Legacy, and Blood Memory - A memoir exploring Robertson's father's life and their shared journey to understand their family's Indigenous heritage.

The Reckoner Series: - Strangers - A teenage boy investigates mysterious deaths in his small Manitoba town while discovering his own supernatural abilities. - Monsters - Cole Harper continues to protect his community while uncovering more about his powers and his town's dark secrets. - Ghosts - The conclusion of the series follows Cole as he confronts the final threats to his community and his own destiny.

Will I See? - A graphic novel about a young Indigenous woman who encounters both danger and spiritual guidance on city streets.

Betty: The Helen Betty Osborne Story - A graphic novel depicting the true story of a young Indigenous woman's murder in Manitoba in 1971.

Richard Wagamese writes Indigenous stories exploring family relationships, identity, and healing through both fiction and memoir. His storytelling style connects traditional knowledge with contemporary Indigenous experiences in ways that parallel Robertson's approach.

Cherie Dimaline creates speculative and contemporary fiction centered on Indigenous youth and communities facing challenges. Her work deals with similar themes of culture, identity and Indigenous futures that appear in Robertson's novels.

Katherena Vermette produces multi-genre works including poetry, novels and children's literature focusing on Indigenous experiences in Manitoba. Her stories about urban Indigenous life and intergenerational connections share geographical and thematic space with Robertson's writing.

Thomas King combines humor with serious cultural critique in his writing about Indigenous experiences and colonial relationships. His work spans multiple genres including fiction, non-fiction and children's literature, addressing similar themes of Indigenous identity and history.

Eden Robinson writes contemporary Indigenous stories that blend traditional elements with modern settings and experiences. Her work dealing with family relationships, community ties and Indigenous identity in modern contexts connects with themes found in Robertson's books.