• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

The Mighty Muskrats are off to the city to have fun at the Exhibition Fair. But when Chickadee learns about Grandpa's little sister, who was scooped up by the government and adopted out to strangers without her parents' permission many years ago, the Mighty Muskrats have a new mystery to solve. Once in the bright lights of the big city, the cousins get distracted, face off with bullies, meet some heroes and unlikely teachers, and learn many of the difficulties of life in the city, as well as hard truths about their country’s treatment of First Nations people.

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

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

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

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)

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

The Kirkus Reviews