Sasquatch and the Muckleshoot

The Unicorn Rescue Society #3

by Adam Gidwitz, Joseph Bruchac

Among the towering fir trees of the Pacific Northwest, a famously elusive creature is in serious trouble.

All Elliot wants is a nice, normal day at school. All Uchenna wants is an adventure. Guess whose wish comes true?

Professor Fauna whisks the kids--and Jersey, of course--off to the Muckleshoot territory in Washington, where film crews have suddenly descended en masse to expose Bigfoot to the world, and the Schmoke logging company is bringing in some awfully large machinery.

Can the Unicorn Rescue Society escape the blades of the Schmokes' chain saws? Outsmart a cable news team? And are those big, hairy creatures running through the forest really Bigfoot?

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Childrens, Adventure, Fiction, Audiobook, Chapter Books

Audio CD

First published November 13, 2018

About the author

To read my bio and learn more about me, and find a FAQ, visit:
http://www.adamgidwitz.com/about-the-...

Reviews

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! Super excited to see what creature will be in the next one!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Muckleshoot reservation is the closest reservation to home for me, so it was great to see that Gidwitz worked with not only Native storyteller Bruchac, but with members of the tribal nation as well, and acknowledged the support and work of the tribal cultural director, a Muckleshoot language expert, and the creator of a font (SL Lushootseed Style True Type) that can accurately write the language. For teachers in the area, this would be a fun read.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book in the Unicorn Rescue Society series is hilarious. At least I found it so. I'm not sure if I found it so funny because I was tired when reading it or if the book is just funny. In any case, I enjoyed the silliness found within. And yet it isn't all silliness, it's clear the authors tried to be thoughtful in regards to the portrayal of the Muckleshoot native people. How well they did, I couldn't say because I wasn't familiar with this group before picking up this book. But the Muckleshoot are portrayed as a people in charge of their own land who care for the land and the creatures that live on it. Elliot's ongoing fear of just about anything results in some rather amusing episodes, as does Professor Fauna's incompetence and the inclusion of Jersey, Elliot and Uchenna's Jersey Devil pet. This makes for an enjoyable read for younger middle grade readers who want something less intense than a lot of existing fantasy novels, but just as interesting.

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another great story as the Unicorn Rescue Society work to save the lives of Sasquatch in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. They work withmembers of the Muckleshoot Native American tribe.

[Ann Haefele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series that I’m reading to my 7 year old granddaughter. Great characters, humor, suspense and a little bit of ecology lessons all packaged into these stories. Enjoyed getting to know the new characters of Mack and Raven in this 3rd story of the series.

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in this great series for children. I love how the author has used the Muckleshoot language in the book! What a great way for children to learn about different cultures, heritages, and history!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story. Was fine as a standalone book! I loved the professor character!

[~just one hopeless romantic~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS REALLY REALLY AWESOME 😎 I LOVED LOVED THIS BOOK so now I’m definitely gonna read the hole series twice or maybe three times or more!!! Hey YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW!! I wish I could give you 1,00000000000000 stars ⭐️ so like I said READ THIS NOWWWWWW!!!

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Girls love this series

[Jeimy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the puns and the social critique on this one!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The eccentric Professor Fauna, founder of the Unicorn Rescue Society, pulls Elliot and Uchenna out of class again, on a ridiculous pretext, and packs them and their pet Jersey devil onto the single-prop airplane he keeps parked in the teachers' parking lot (again), for a quick trip to the Pacific Northwest to help a fellow member of the society protect the Sasquatch from a new threat. Along the way, not only do the kids miraculously survive another of the professor's frequent plane crashes, and encounter a real creature that most people mistakenly equate with Bigfoot (not real), but they also learn about why the pine forests of the northwest are so important to the ecosystem, become acquainted with a Native American tribe's folkways and language, defend a sacred secret against exploitation by a TV news crew and, incidentally, save a forest and its denizens from the evil Schmoke Brothers, who are at their old tricks again.

I don't think I need to tell you much more about this book, other than to repeat that it's lots of fun, with goofy characters including a Native American dad who's addicted to dad jokes, his adventurous daughter who expects Elliot to propose marriage to her someday, some Muckleshoot vocabulary that requires different alphabet characters (luckily, this series is good at providing pronunciation hints for new words), and a side helping of some Native Americans' spirituality and their interpretation of U.S. history. A mild political content advisory applies, not just to this book but to the series as a whole, whether it's Book 1's view of America from the New Jersey Pine Barrens, Book 2's visit to the Basque Country or, I'm already finding out, Book 4's (The Chupacabras of the Rio Grande) view from the U.S.-Mexican border. However, I stress the word "mild" and add that whatever your politics, you've gotta be charmed by these characters and their quirks, from the way Elliot earns the nickname Screams A Lot to what you find out if you run a Spanish-to-English translation on the swear words Professor Fauna yells out. When I did that on "¡Palabrota indecible!" it brought on one of the best and most needed laughs I've had in a long time.

This is the third book in the "Unicorn Rescue Society" series, all written by Adam Gidwitz either solo or with various co-authors. Joseph Bruchac, whose works are inspired by his Abenaki American Indian heritage, is also the author of two "Skeleton Man" novels, the "Killer of Enemies" trilogy, two "PathFinders" books, two "Jacob Neptune" mysteries, three "Powwow Mysteries," more than 40 other novels, more than 20 children's books, about 10 nonfiction books and a ton of collected poems and short stories. He has been nominated for a Mythopoeic Fantasy Award and has edited or co-edited several anthologies.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Traveling in the Northern Pacific regions of this country recently, meeting some of First Nation people, marveling at their striking artwork, and resolve for preserving their land, I found truly eye-opening! Joseph Bruchac covers this topic brilliantly in Sasquatch and the Muckleshoot. Besides touching on some of the experiences their tribe suffered through, such as forcing the Muckleshoot children to attend Non-Indian schools that disparaged their native culture, we learn that the United States government took away most of their territory. Before long the main duo of this series, Elliot and Uchenna drop down into Muckleshoot territory during an unexpected accident, and soon meet Mack. Before long he shares some of the Muckleshoot experiences he's suffered through, as the young visitors become rapt to his every word. Mack a brilliant engineer of the Muckleshoot nation, and an old friend of their strange teacher Dr. Fauna, brings the true culture of the Muckleshoot people alive with depth and humor. Mack's constant need to end every story with a pun is hilarious. Bruchac's tale about protecting the Sasquatch with the help of fellow members of the Unicorn Rescue Society is full of suspense and danger for the young members, caused by the malicious Schmoke Brothers. Readers will relate to the main characters of the Unicorn Society's fear (Elliot) and wonder (Uchenna) as they become enamored with Mack and his passsion to save the Muckleshoot's territory and the Sasquatch. A thrilling adventure packed with informative history of the Muckleshoot tribe that readers will love, the illustrations add jus the right flavor.

[Sarah B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of this series, this one was one of my favorites - but not a favorite enough to make my favorite list. It was much better than the first two books.

So what did I like about it? I liked that it was set more out in nature. And there was no big secret hideout with fences around it. It was mostly the woods or a small town. And some stuff in here was funny too, like the naughty things Jersey does! Not that Jersey realizes he is being naughty. He just wants the food! But I enjoyed those parts.

The bigfoot in here is more interesting too. I think I like that they were not captives locked up in a cage. Like they show in some other books. Yet we get to meet a family of bigfoot.

I read this on Tuesday and already some parts of the story is fading. Which is not a good sign. Yet I recall other books much better like "Moo"... There really is not enough in here to make it all that memorable or for it to stand out. Mainly I recall the mischief that Jersey did in that diner or the kids tricking the reporters in the woods... Otherwise the plot is fading away...

Not a good sign.

[Bree Dumont · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sasquatch and the Muckleshoot is the third story in the Unicorn Rescue Society series. Professor Fauna pulls Elliot and Uchenna out of school to help the Sasquatch in Washington state. They will work Society member Mac and his daughter Raven (who are part of the Muckleshoot nation) to prevent the Schmoke brothers from destroying the forest where the Sasquatch family live. As usual, Elliot worries and questions everything while Uchenna jumps into the adventure feet first. This series has been a wonderful, fun adventure. This book was shorter than the previous books, but I look further to future escapades with the Unicorn Rescue Society. The audiobooks are voiced by January LaVoy who is one of my favorite voice actors and I would highly recommend giving them a listen. This series is an excellent one for young readers who enjoy the Magic Tree House series.

[Megan Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never in my life have I started reading a book in the middle of the series... until now. My son picked this up at the library and even though I tried very hard to persuade him to wait until the first book in the series was available, he insisted we had to check out book three and read it right away. And I think the story suffered a bit for it. Not for him of course, just for me. These books are definitely written so that it's not strictly necessary for you to have read previous books in order to understand what's going on, but there is clearly a storyline that stretches across the whole series as well. The plot was just okay, nothing terrible, nothing exciting. It's a good book for the target audience, plenty of jokes and a fair amount of action, but a little bit boring if you're outside of the target age range.

[Naomi Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the addition of the Muckleshoot tribe and the conversations this opened up. I think it's very important to be happening.

I did sometimes have a hard time staying in this book, because I'm having a harder time accepting the fact that this professor can whisk these children off to do dangerous things without the parents being aware. I mean, there are magical creatures, but they're treated very scientifically so there's not a place in the world-building for there to be a magic time-traveling something explanation for why these kids can get back home in time after traveling extremely far distances?

But I do love the characters and the diversity and Jersey (because obvs) and I am excited to see what else this series brings to the table.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben is still really enjoying listening to this series, and demanded the next book as soon as we finished this one (and I'm anticipating his disappointment when he realizes there are only 4 out so far!) It was also great timing because we saw a "sasquatch crossing" sign on our camping trip and Ben's eyes just about popped out of his head. The character development and plot aren't substantial enough for me to keep reading on my own, but it's at a great level for an early elementary kid to listen to - more complicated and nuanced than something like Magic Tree House, but with enough predictability for a 6 year old.

[AMY · Rating 4 out of 5]

176 pgs. Book three proves that you can never have enough puns or adventure with this group of rescue friends. This time the Professor brings Elliott and Uchenna to the remote area known as the Muckleshoot where suspected Sasquatch may roam freely. Jersey travels with them. The friends have another mystery to solve with the current situation. Mack, a local Unicorn Rescue Society member is concerned about the forest and what is going on with the Sasquatch. The Professor promises to help him. Non-stop action and humor throughout this one will readers engaged right up to the end. Highly recommended for Grades 4-5.

[Nick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not a huge Joseph Bruchac fan. His fingerprints are all over this thing. It lacked a lot of the wit the other two had, the story was slow and ponderous, and our lovable characters were simply swept aside. This was too busy trying to push some Native American agenda than actually telling a story.

Our main characters never needed to be there, were there on the flimsiest of circumstances, and did nothing in their own story. Characters had no arc, nobody did anything that made any sense, and it just ended. This book wasn't nearly as good as the other two in the series.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Middle grade reader. This falls into the younger middle grade book section as it is squarely for the younger reader.
Elliot and Uchenna have another adventure with Professor Fauna. This time they head to Washington state to help the Sasquatch. They meet some members of the Muckleshoot tribe. They foil the Schmoke brothers yet again.
It’s a cute story. The timelines might be a little more believable this time since it takes hours to fly to Washington (hmm..well, Oregon since they get off track) and Elliot is worried about getting home on time at the end.

[Marycee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Professor Fawna, And the kids leave the East coast and head to Washington State to help rescue Sasquatch. Grand child aged 7 liked this book enough that we listened to it on the playground so they wouldn’t miss a bit. Loved that this one took place in our stomping grounds and incorporated some Native History, environmentalism and an accurate story of how white invaders displaced the Muckleshoot tribe ( not even their own name for themselves). We are going to get #1 in the series, because grandkid loved this book so much.
Read by the always fabulous, January LaVoy.

[Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a fiction mythical creature kids book, with three kids and two professors that have to save the sasquatch and their home from the schmoke brothers. Also Snert TV helps the schmoke brothers try to destroy the sasquatch and their home. Will the three kids and two professors be enough to save the sasquatch and their home? You will only find out if you read the whole book. I give it three stars because I liked it but there's better books out there.

[Aubrey Timmins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book in the series, and I really enjoyed how the adventure tied in the Muckleshoot tribe’s culture and traditions. It gave the story a richer and more meaningful backdrop than I expected. I do wish they had included a unicorn (that would’ve been fun!), but overall the mix of folklore and modern adventure kept me hooked. Since this was my first one, I think I’ll pick up the others in the series to see how they compare.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fun . Cute pictures. The book has Native people as characters. I was a bit concerned about representation of the these people and their nation.This book was co-written with Joseph Bruchac of Abenaki heritage and had members from Muckleshoot Nation do sensitivity reading before it was published.The book is a love letter to people who love trees.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kids appreciate the support of their actions in this series. They love animals. They love the world. They know something is not right - and these books give them a model for finding their own voice. Yes, it is fiction and so the action taken is exaggerated - but kids have power and can actually do something. That's a great message to give.

[Dionne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute kids book - has some hard truths buried in the lighter text, and ends in a deus ex machina that I don't care for, but the overall story had some good lessons about respecting nature, cautioning against greed, and lessons in Native Peoples' history. My 10 year old son and I enjoyed this tremendously.

[Rhi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this is my least favourite installment.
I initially DNFed this in January, and I picked it back up because I need a light, goofy adventure. This wasn't it. I thought it was hard to connect with the characters and tbh found Dr. Fauna to border on obnoxious. Clearly, I'm not the demographic for this story, but I do enjoy a good middle grade.
Disappointing 2.5/5 stars.

[Joseph D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 of the Unicorn Rescue Society. This one takes us to the land of the Sasquatch. Our favorite villains are back. This one is heavy on the puns, which based on the age these books are to appeal to, is not surprising. All the normal stuff you’ve come to love and enjoy. Jump in and look for some Bigfoots.

Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third installation of the series is just as humorous and fun as the first one. I like the addition of Joseph Bruchac as co-writer to bring in cultural insight about the mythology and Native American tribe included in this book.

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is delightful! I appreciate how Gidwitz gives proper attention to detail and authenticity. I usually only read one book in a series, but his collaborators are enticing and the mythical creatures fascinating. Think I’ll grab The Chupacabras of the Rio Grande.