Michael Hutchinson's The Case of the Rigged Race is the fourth in his Mighty Muskrats Mystery series. Cousins Atim, Sam, Otter, and Chickadee are the Mighty Muskrats, who play the part of hometown detectives in Windy Lake. They work to unravel the mystery behind a series of unexplained events during the annual Trappers Festival. Throughout the book, Hutchinson weaves Traditional Teachings about Indigenous culture, along with historical events and the importance of family. This story demonstrates Indigenous culture and the connection to the land. Hutchinson wrote the Mighty Muskrats Mystery series to “educate young Canadians, build pride in First Nations and impoverished youth, and create a better Canadian and First Nations relationship.” This book (and series) would be a great addition to any library where young readers are looking for a mystery series.

Contributor Affiliation: Author Michael Hutchinson (Misipawistik Cree Nation), Editor Kathryn Cole
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Source: Books BC - Indigenous Books for Schools

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

• Nominated, Forest of Reading Award, Silver Birch
• Nominated, The Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books for Kids and Teens, Junior & Intermediate Fiction

"What an adventure they have, finding themselves in many dangerous situations with many supporters offering help.... A great mystery to help us build our curious minds. Kids can make a difference."

Goodminds

"I was not expecting the experience to be so rich, the book itself to be so meaningful.... Hutchinson’s novel (Book Four in a series) is the real deal, which is the kind of thing you know for sure once you’ve read an entire book out loud. Complex vocabulary, lots of fun wordplay, moral conundrums, flawed adult characters whose struggles are shown with real empathy, a portrayal of the realities of northern rez life (the prices at the grocery store!), carefully drawn protagonists, and a mystery that was interesting to unravel—I didn’t see any of that coming."

Pickle Me This Review

"We all know young people like the Muskrats... They are the type of enthusiastic youngsters that one would love to see storming into a classroom: excited about learning, keen to solve mysteries, bubbling with questions, and determined to find their way in life. They each have special talents and ways.... The Muskrats banter and joke, but are never mean. They are independent, but have deep respect for the teachings of the Elders and strive to learn and live by traditional values. They are loyal, educated, and full of fun, and young people can enjoy them, learn from them, and imitate them.... This is an excellent resource for Indigenous youth, parents, and educators. There are also lessons for all."

The Miramichi Reader

"The best feature of these books is the delightfully natural quality of the Muskrat characters. In both dialogue and action they come across as loyal, intelligent, funny and extremely realistic."

The Winnipeg Free Press