Children's Fiction Native Canadian
Spirit Rider
A Lillian Indigenous Mystery
- Publisher
- Durvile Publications
- Initial publish date
- May 2025
- Category
- Native Canadian, Ghost Stories, Teachings
- Recommended Age
- 8 to 13
- Recommended Grade
- 3 to 8
-
Paperback / softback
- ISBN
- 9781990735745
- Publish Date
- May 2025
- List Price
- $24.95
Classroom Resources
Where to buy it
Description
Spirit Rider is an enchanting mystery for young readers, blending friendship, Indigenous storytelling, and the supernatural. In this third book in the Lillian Mystery series, Lillian and her friends once again find themselves at the crossroads of spirits and secrets. When a mysterious boy on a bicycle appears outside Lillian’s window, his mischievous antics hide a deeper, more haunting purpose. With her gift of communicating with spirits, and the support of her friends Chloe and Grace, as well as her wise Kokum and Auntie, Lillian embarks on a journey to uncover the truth. Can they unravel the mystery of the Spirit Rider? Or will this spirit’s secrets lead them somewhere they never expected?
About the authors
Lynda Partridge is a member of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. She is a mother a grandmother, a wife an auntie and a sister. She grew up in the child welfare system and spent her childhood in numerous non indigenous foster homes. At a later age she obtained an honours bachelor of social work (Native Human Services), followed by a Master of Social Work Degree. It was while obtaining her undergraduate degree that she found her birth family and reconnected to her Indigenous culture. This experience led her to the field of Indigenous child welfare.
Excerpt: Spirit Rider: A Lillian Indigenous Mystery (by (author) Lynda Partridge & Dave Nicholson)
The next morning, Lillian decided it was time to follow through on something she’d promised herself. She got out the worn piece of paper with her prayer written on it to help her remember. Standing by her bed, she smoothed the paper and began, her voice quiet but steady.
“K Mishomis… this boy thing has my head a little messed up, and with Chloe and Grace coming, I’m gonna need some help from you.” She glanced at the paper again and recited the prayer:
Kichimìgwech Kichi-manido minwà nigoding.
Gì wàmdamàng kìzhap kizis gì binàbid.
Kichi-mìgwech gì mìzhyàng iw sa Bimàdziwin.
Kichi-mìgwech gì mìzhyàng Nigigòg
Wìdòkwishnàng dji namàyàng
gwayak Jibmoseyàng.
Kichi-Mìgwech Kichi-manido kinagego.
Then Lillian checked the translation scrawled beneath the prayer to make sure she had it right:
Thank you, Creator,
For letting us see the morning sun once again.
Thank you for the gift of life.
Thank you for the parents you have given us.
Guide us to walk the good path.
Thank you, Creator, for all things.
She nodded, satisfied. “Yup, I think that’s right. Or almost right, anyway.” Folding the paper carefully, she added with a grin, “K, Creator, that’s probably it for the week. You know what I’m like. But I will say miigwech every day in my head and heart—maybe not out loud, though… K, see ya! Gotta get ready for school.”
She placed the paper carefully on her desk and ran down the hall. After getting dressed, she made her usual stop at the front window to check for the boy. Sure enough, there he was, glaring at her through the glass with a sneer plastered across his face. His eyes were sharp and angry, and for the life of her, she couldn’t figure out why. She didn’t even know who he was!
Frustration bubbled up in her chest. She knew it wasn’t the most mature reaction, but she stuck her tongue out at him and gave him her best stink eye. To her surprise, the boy looked momentarily confused before flipping her the finger—again—and riding off down the road.
“Where does a spirit even go on a bike?” she muttered. “How rude.” She turned away from the window, shaking her head.
Good thing Auntie or Kokum didn’t see that, she thought. They’d have plenty to say to him if they had. Probably best not to mention it.
Editorial Reviews
"[Lillian stories are] from the spirit and are messages for all of our First Nations relatives that it is now time to rise up and take this responsibility back to being natural helpers, and to nurture our children who are struggling.”— Robin Decontie, MSW, Director, Kitigan Zibi Health and Social Services
"Spirit Rider was captivating. I was excited to read the more adventures of Lillian. The caregivers were very kind understanding and patient with Lillian. The book is a perfect example of the seven grandfather teachings; love honesty respect bravery humility wisdom and truth. My emotions as the reader was crying and laughing. Thinking of how the spirit rider was feeling through his young life and Lillians jokes she loved sharing even if they didn’t really want to hear. As a retired Aboriginal Indigenous social service worker it was heart warming and I embraced the book whole heartedly of our First Nation children who perhaps have the same story, With Kindness to the Author Miigwech for allowing me to read this it was an honour."
Stephanie Sandy, Nimki Beneshiinh Kwe . Nookmis of Chippewas of Rama First Nation
"Lynda Partridge books have a way of drawing you in. I couldn't put it down. Her latest book Spirit Rider has you from the first page. Her characters and character development are amazing and so relateable to both young and old, indigenous and non indigenous. Her ability to reach the reader both spiritually and culturally is so strong it's almost tangible. Her best to date." —Sandra Herkimer, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Elder
