Calumet Editions

Return of the Manitous

Winter returns to Minnesota’s Lake Superior North Shore—bringing bitter cold, darkness, and danger. When a close family friend disappears, siblings BJ Maki and Charley suspect foul play and start hunting for clues. Their new Ojibwe neighbor, Amy, knows how painfully common disappearances can be. As strange men snoop around the Reservation and windigos from Native lore slip into town—even the high school—the kids realize trust is fragile. Dark forces threaten the land and its people, and getting closer to the truth may make them the next victims.

a book to inspire young people to get outside, to watch their environment and pay attention to their communities

—S. Human, verified review on Amazon

Description

Winter is the keeper of secrets. But, for those who pay attention, it will reveal them as well. The season of bitter cold, snow and darkness has returned to the north shore of Minnesota’s Lake Superior, and with it has come mystery and danger. After a close family friend goes missing, BJ Maki and his sister, Charley, suspect foul play and begin hunting for clues. Their new Ojibwe neighbor, Amy, isn’t so sure. She knows what it’s like to have someone you love go missing. Strange men are snooping around the Reservation. Windigos–powerful beings from Native American lore–are infiltrating the town, even the local high School. The kids don’t know who they can trust. What they do know is that dark forces are putting the people and the lands of the North Shore in danger. The closer they come to exposing them, the closer they are to becoming the first victims.

Product Details

PublishedSeptember 29, 2025
ImprintCalumet Editions
LanguageEnglish
Print length313
ISBN-13978-1962834568
Dimensions6 x 0.79 x 9 inches

I really enjoyed the first book, but I loved this one even more! It is a book to inspire young people to get outside, to watch their environment and pay attention to their communities. It’s important. Return of the Manitous is also quite funny, with wonderful scenes from Northern Minnesota life.

—S. Human, verified review on Amazon

What a wonderful adventure for young and old alike! Not only are the varied and so likeable characters back, but they face new challenges closer to home. That’s not to say the mystical doesn’t come into play with characters from Ojibwa mythology coming to life, both as friend and foe. Highly recommended for those who cherish stories about a beautiful connection with nature, positive values in action and Native American history and culture. An excellent tale!

—Lafmore, review on Amazon

Return of the Manitous is a fantastic follow-up to Shades of a Warrior. This book combines powerful lessons with laugh out loud funny moments. Great for anyone interested in learning more about indigenous history, or anyone with kids they want to explore the natural world.

—Tommy Saxton, review on Amazon