The Case of Windy Lake
Four cousins, the Mighty Muskrats, solve a mystery on the Windy Lake First Nation.
Sam, Otter, Atim, and Chickadee are four inseparable cousins growing up on the Windy Lake First Nation. Nicknamed the Mighty Muskrats for their habit of laughing, fighting, and exploring together, the cousins find that each new adventure adds to their reputation. When a visiting archeologist goes missing, the cousins decide to solve the mystery of his disappearance. In the midst of community conflict, family concerns, and environmental protests, the four get busy following every lead. From their base of operations in a fort made out of an old school bus, the Mighty Muskrats won’t let anything stop them from solving their case!
Praise & Recognition
“An Indigenous version of the Hardy Boys full of rez humor."
Kirkus Reviews“In Michael Hutchinson’s clever middle grade mystery The Case of Windy Lake, four precocious children are on a quest to find a missing archaeologist…. The Case of Windy Lake is smart and thought-provoking mystery for middle grade readers.”
Foreword Reviews“The tales of their adventures together provide entertaining and engaging books for readers 9-12 years old. The tone of these books is charming, light and at times, humorous, while still dealing with some serious issues.”
Anishinabek News“In the midst of weaving a satisfying whodunit, Hutchinson also evokes Indigenous culture. The Muskrats consult different elders in the community for information and guidance; they view knowledge as a gift to be earned; and they watch their adult cousin, Denice, undergo a gruelling spiritual quest while protesting the local mining company…. The Muskrats feel like the kind of real kids that have been missing in children’s books for quite some time.”
Quill & Quire“The Case of Windy Lake will appeal to fans of mysteries and stories of kids who go off on adventures with no adults around. It will also introduce readers to a setting and a perspective that are still uncommon in middle grade fiction.”
CM: Canadian Review of Materials“Move over Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys, there are new youth detectives on the scene…. The Case of Windy Lake is appropriate for junior or intermediate students and compliments the literacy, social studies/history and science programs by infusing Indigenous perspectives. This story will prompt discussions and allow students to better understand their connection and responsibility to the Land.”
ETFO Voice“These tweens are smart, curious, and resourceful…. The kids use the internet as well as knowledge of their community and their natural surroundings to solve the mystery, and they don't get in the way of law enforcement (their uncle) or need to be rescued. There's a nice all-for-one-and-one-for-all feeling about their relationships.”
American Indians in Children’s Literature"This first Mighty Muskrats mystery tackles themes of resource extraction, environmental protection, and indigenous rights in a Hardy Boys-style mystery, written by an author with firsthand experience in environmental protection and First Nation advocacy."
BookTribWhippoorwill Award 2020 - Winner
CODE Burt Award for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Young Adult Literature 2020 - Commended
Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award (MYRCA) Sundogs Award 2021 - Short-listed
Second Story Press Indigenous Writing Contest 2018 - Joint winner
USBBY 2020 Outstanding International Books List 2020 - Commended
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens 2019
Details
Publication Date: March 18, 2019
Reading Age: 9 - 12
Reading Level: V
Genre: Children's Fiction, Middle Grade, Mystery
Product Format: Paperback
Pages: 160
ISBN: 978-1-77260-085-8
Weight: 140
About the Author
Michael Hutchinson
Michael Hutchinson is Swampy Cree from the Treaty 5 area and a member of the Misipawistik Cree Nation. During his early years, he fought forest fires, worked in an underground research mine, and did catering for rock concerts and movie shoots. As an adult, he has switched back and forth between the communications and journalism sides of the desk, hosting APTN National News for seven years, co-hosting CTV Morning Live Winnipeg, and working for numerous First Nation advocacy organizations from the national to the local level, including the Assembly of First Nations and the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. He is currently the Communications Manager at the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre. He wrote the Mighty Muskrats Mystery series to educate young Canadians, build pride in First Nation and impoverished youth, and create a better Canadian and First Nations relationship. He lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
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