In 1800, 13-year-old Pierre La Page never imagined he'd be leaving Montreal to paddle, 2400 miles. It was something older men, like his father, did. But when Pierre's father has an accident, Pierre quits school to become a voyageur for the North West Company, so his family can survive the winter. It's hard for Pierre as the youngest in the brigade. From the treacherous waters and cruel teasing to his aching and bloodied hands, Pierre is miserable. Still, he has no choice but to endure the trip to Grand Portage and back.

Awards For The Broken Blade:

• Great Lakes Booksellers Association Award Winner, 1998
• Minnesota Book Award Winner, 1998
• Scholastic Book Club Selection, 1998
• Boy’s Life Magazine Serialization, 2000-2002
• New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age List, 1998
• Northeast Minnesota Book Award Finalist, 1998
• A Bank Street College Children’s Book of the Year, 1998
• Kentucky Blue Grass Award nominee, 1999
• North Carolina Book Award Nominee, 2000
• New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award Nominee, 2000