In The Case of the Missing Auntie, written by Michael Hutchinson of the Misipawistik Cree Nation, the Mighty Muskrats – cousins Chickadee, Atim, Otter, and Sam – are once again on the case with their second major mystery within the Mighty Muskrats Mystery series. In this story, the Mighty Muskrats learn about Grandpa’s little sister, who was scooped up by the government and adopted out to strangers without her parents’ permission years ago. This book can be used to introduce the effects of discriminatory government policies and actions, such as the Sixties Scoop, or read out loud in a group as a novel study. Michael Hutchinson has spent much of his career telling the stories of Indigenous people and advocating for First Nations families and communities across Canada, which makes this series a must-have for any teacher’s library.

192 pp., 5.25 × 7.5"

Michael Hutchinson (Misipawistik Cree Nation)

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - Canadian Indigenous Books for Schools (2021-2022)

MICHAEL HUTCHINSON is a citizen of the Misipawistik Cree Nation in the Treaty 5 territory, north of Winnipeg. He is the author of the Mighty Muskrats Mysteries series. He has spent much of his career telling the stories of Indigenous peoples and advocating for First Nation families and communities across Canada. Currently he is the Communications Manager for the Manitoba First Nations Education Resource Centre. Michael’s greatest accomplishments are his two lovely daughters.

Michael Hutchinson's profile page

• Short-listed, Manitoba Book Awards - McNally Robinson Books for Young People Award, Older Category
• Short-listed, Indigenous Voices Award - Published Prose in English
• Long-listed, Junior Library Guild Selection, Mystery / Adventure Selection

A compelling “urban bush” adventure that offers light and reconciliation to dark truths.

The Kirkus Reviews

The Case of the Missing Auntie is a well-told mystery that deals with important topics at a middle-grade level. It is highly recommended for school and public libraries.

Canadian Review of Materials

Delivered a surprising end to the story, one that left me envious of the close family ties Chickadee and the boys enjoy.

The Montreal Gazette

Missing Auntie is a good read, with an emotional punch, and I can hardly wait for the Mighty Muskrats to take their next case.

Jean Mendoza, American Indians in Children's literature (AICL)