The Broken Blade — William Durbin

In 1800, thirteen-year-old Pierre La Page never dreams he'll be leaving Montreal to paddle a canoe twenty-four hundred miles. This is something older men, like his father, do. But when Pierre's father has an accident, Pierre quits school and enlists as a voyageur for the North West Company so that his family will have money to survive the winter. Life is hard for Pierre as the youngest brigade member. Treacherous waters, aching and bloodied hands, and the men's cruel teasing make him miserable. But there's no turning back. Pierre must endure the harsh trip to Grand Portage and home again.