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ljrinaldi's review
5.0
The Mighty Muskrats mysteries are about Children of the Cree First Nations peoples, and this story is the third book in the series, of the four cousins who solve mysteries set on their reserve (known as a reservation in the US).
Each mystery has been one that would be unique to this series, and this is especially true in this case, where there is a Cree ceremony and a bundle that represents the stories of Treaty 12 (which doesn't exist in real life, as there were only 11 treaties. The author said that in keeping with the theme of this story, that the ceremony is sacred, he didn't want to write about a real thing.)
I love how the author blends into the story Cree philosophy and world views. In this case, is is from the Elders, one of whom explains why there is an oral tradition, rather than one where the memories are written down, or photographed.
She gives the example of hearing the story of cinderella. When you hear it, you imagine what she looks like. But when you see it, that image is locked into your brain, and you can't unsee it.
There is great love in this story, and good lessons taught. The kids solve the mystery, but with love, because the Cree ceremony and gathering should not accuse anyone when everyone is trying to get together.
One of the important lessons is family. The other is place. And the bundle are the objects with memories and stories that are shared.
And that it is cold outside the tent, as one of the elders explains.
So this story is both part mystery as well as thoughts on how people all must work together
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Each mystery has been one that would be unique to this series, and this is especially true in this case, where there is a Cree ceremony and a bundle that represents the stories of Treaty 12 (which doesn't exist in real life, as there were only 11 treaties. The author said that in keeping with the theme of this story, that the ceremony is sacred, he didn't want to write about a real thing.)
I love how the author blends into the story Cree philosophy and world views. In this case, is is from the Elders, one of whom explains why there is an oral tradition, rather than one where the memories are written down, or photographed.
She gives the example of hearing the story of cinderella. When you hear it, you imagine what she looks like. But when you see it, that image is locked into your brain, and you can't unsee it.
There is great love in this story, and good lessons taught. The kids solve the mystery, but with love, because the Cree ceremony and gathering should not accuse anyone when everyone is trying to get together.
One of the important lessons is family. The other is place. And the bundle are the objects with memories and stories that are shared.
And that it is cold outside the tent, as one of the elders explains.
So this story is both part mystery as well as thoughts on how people all must work together
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
erinsbookshelves's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
homosexual's review
5.0
My Booktube
Like the other books in this series, you don't need to read them in order, you can pick up any of them and you're fine! There are just a few lines in each that reference past books and they aren't like major plot details usually.
Since this is a mystery, I will say, the big reveal about who did it? Did not see that plot reveal coming and it made sense once it was all set out and explained. And personally I was invested as the story built up to the theft and as we were carried on throughout the book I felt the pacing was great.
at this point I'm very biased for this series so maybe take my thoughts with a grain of salt, but listen I loved this one just like I loved the other two books. I almost teared up at a certain scene (and it wasn't even REALLY an emotional scene). I loved experiencing another mystery with the Muskrats and Spring 2022 can NOT come soon enough <3
Like the other books in this series, you don't need to read them in order, you can pick up any of them and you're fine! There are just a few lines in each that reference past books and they aren't like major plot details usually.
Since this is a mystery, I will say, the big reveal about who did it? Did not see that plot reveal coming and it made sense once it was all set out and explained. And personally I was invested as the story built up to the theft and as we were carried on throughout the book I felt the pacing was great.
at this point I'm very biased for this series so maybe take my thoughts with a grain of salt, but listen I loved this one just like I loved the other two books. I almost teared up at a certain scene (and it wasn't even REALLY an emotional scene). I loved experiencing another mystery with the Muskrats and Spring 2022 can NOT come soon enough <3
goldfishreads's review
4.0
This third book in the Might Muskrats series is little different from the first two books but definitely in a good way! This story focuses more on tradition and ceremony of Cree people, allowing the reader to learn about some cultural practices, their origins and meanings. Like the previous stories, it draws on Canadian history but this time talks about treaty making and significance of treaties as agreements.
What the story was also able to do in a great way was highlight the fact that Indigenous people and even Cree people are not a monolith. There is diversity amongst Cree people and differences among nations, as seen through the misunderstanding that occurs between the muskrats' Grandpa from Windy Lake and Elder Lone Man from Butterfly Narrows. A misunderstanding that is resolved when they acknowledge their mistake and agree that there is strength in their diversity as Cree people. I think it's also a good example to show children that adults and Elders make mistakes as well, but not to let this mistakes get in the way of communication and reconciliation.
I've been really enjoying this series so far. After only three books, the rez and the Mighty Muskrats have become familiar, each with their own personalities that the reader comes to know. The stories raise awareness about issues Indigenous people faced and are facing while maintaining a fun and intriguing mystery storyline. The only disappointment is having to wait until 2022 for the next book!
What the story was also able to do in a great way was highlight the fact that Indigenous people and even Cree people are not a monolith. There is diversity amongst Cree people and differences among nations, as seen through the misunderstanding that occurs between the muskrats' Grandpa from Windy Lake and Elder Lone Man from Butterfly Narrows. A misunderstanding that is resolved when they acknowledge their mistake and agree that there is strength in their diversity as Cree people. I think it's also a good example to show children that adults and Elders make mistakes as well, but not to let this mistakes get in the way of communication and reconciliation.
I've been really enjoying this series so far. After only three books, the rez and the Mighty Muskrats have become familiar, each with their own personalities that the reader comes to know. The stories raise awareness about issues Indigenous people faced and are facing while maintaining a fun and intriguing mystery storyline. The only disappointment is having to wait until 2022 for the next book!
unnaturalhistory's review
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
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