The Stone Child: The Misewa Saga, Book Three

Written by David A. Robertson

Narrated by Brefny Caribou

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. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tundra Book Group
• Release date: Aug 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9781770499461

David A. Robertson

David A. Robertson (he/him/his) is a two-time winner of the Governor General's Literary Award, has won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, as well as the Writer's Union of Canada Freedom to Read award. He has received several other accolades for his work as a writer for children and adults, podcaster, public speaker, and social advocate. He was honoured with a Doctor of Letters by the University of Manitoba for outstanding contributions in the arts and distinguished achievements in 2023. He was nominated for the 2026 Hans Christian Anderson Award. He is a member of Norway House Cree Nation and lives in Winnipeg.

Reviews for The Stone Child

[kwrolsen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The author of this book is incredibly talented. The characters are well developed, the story is engaging and creative, and the writing is descriptive and strong. I, however, had difficulty getting through the book because I did not read the two previous books in the series. I got a bit lost with the vocabulary, although there was a glossary. I struggled with the story line and fantasy a bit as I did not have any background. I believe I would have loved this series if I started with the first book.

[lindsay_w_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I was going to say satisfying resolution to the Misewa Saga, then I heard there is more coming. I’m here for it.

[koglibrary · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the 3rd book in a series (The Misawa Saga). I must admit I did not read the first 2 in the series. I think it would have been helpful. I will probably go back and read them. I really enjoyed this novel for middle grade children. It is a fantasy story using characters from the Cree in Canada. There’s a lot of adventure and heart-stopping excitement of monster chases and good-guy-wins that appeal to the middle schooler. The Cree names and phrases can be a little overwhelming at first, but they get easier as the story unfolds. It kind of ended quickly. Hope there is a 4th book.

[lavermeer · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

THE STONE CHILD is a fast-paced middle-grade novel about friendship, family, courage, and time travel. Morgan discovers her foster brother, Eli, apparently lifeless in Askí, an Indigenous territory where time moves differently than it does in this dimension. Despite the grief she’s carrying because of a recent loss, Morgan leaps into action, recruiting her new best friend, Emily, to travel with her and save Eli. But that’s just the beginning of this breath-taking adventure. There’s so much more to the story.

The narrative takes off at speed and just keeps going — it’s very exciting! Readers will turn pages relentlessly to learn what happens next. The only point when the story slow down is when Morgan returns to the mundane world of grade school, foster parents, and cities; there, time really seems to drag. Soon enough, though, the race is on again — and what a cliffhanger the author has created! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.

THE STONE CHILD is Book Three in the Misewa Saga, but it stands alone just fine — and with all the references to earlier adventures, readers are sure to want to read back through books one and two to spend more time in Askí. There’s a glossary and pronunciation guide at the front of the book to help non-Cree readers, too.

I admired the deftness with which Roberson integrated Indigenous story and figures into a plot about an Indigenous girl reclaiming her identity. This book is a winner! I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.

[tessa.johnson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

DISCLAIMER: This is the 3rd book in a series, but I have not read the first two. Yet.

The Stone Child picks up in the mythical land of Misewa where younger brother Eli is in a coma-like state. Big sister Morgan, and her friend Emily, must figure out how to save Eli and return home in time. They face exciting danger and challenges, and they have to rely on each other and each person's strengths.

The Stone Child, book 3 in The Misewa Saga, continues the story of two children in foster care who discover an alternate world populated by Cree legends and animals.

I am looking forward to going back and reading books 1 and 2.

** This book was given to me by the LibraryThing Early Review program, but all opinions are my own. **

[oldandnewbooksmell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Morgan wakes at the base of the Great Tree to find Eli’s soul missing and now she must find it before it’s too late. With the help of her friends, both new and old, they set off deep into the northern woods and face challenges and life-threatening attacks from creatures they never knew. On top of it all, Morgan is still trying to process the information about her Mom - but the distraction of saving Eli will only last so long before she must face her fear.

The Stone Child is the first book of the Misewa Saga that I have read - that being the case, I never felt confused by missing the last two books as the children in the story made multiple references to their past adventures. I really enjoyed the weaving of Cree culture and traditions into the story. Everything was always related to the story and only ever enhanced the setting. I learned not only words and sayings, but also words and culture, including sweat lodges, longhouses, creation stories, elder knowledge, and land-based teachings. This book also shows representation of Indigenous children in the foster care system and mentions how some have gotten there.

I enjoyed how there were really two stories in this novel. The first half of the book was finding Eli’s soul and then the second half was about Morgan and her mother.

This is a good series for those who like the Narnia series, but without all the Christianity. It’s also a wonderfully written book with First Nations/Indigenous Persons as main characters. This would be a wonderful fit for Middle Grade readers for sure!

*Thank you Puffin Books and LibraryThing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review