The Broken Blade
Description
In 1800, thirteen-year-old Pierre LaPage dreams of becoming a voyageur and paddling a fur trade canoe. But this is something that older, more experienced men do. However, when Pierre's father has an accident, Pierre signs on with the North West Company so that his family will have money to survive the winter. Life is hard for Pierre as the youngest member of his brigade. Treacherous rapids, blistered hands, aching muscles, and the cruel teasing of the older men make him miserable. But there is no turning back for Pierre, and he must endure the 1,000 mile journey from Montreal to Grand Portage.
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About the Author
William Durbin lives on Lake Vermilion at the edge of Minnesota's Boundary Waters Wilderness. A winner of the Great Lakes Book Award and a two-time winner of the Minnesota Book award, he has published short stories, essays, and poetry, as well as thirteen novels for young readers, including The Broken Blade, Wintering, Blackwater Ben, The Darkest Evening, The Journal of Otto Peltonen, and El Lector, which has been optioned for film by Jane Starz Productions. His latest novel, co-authored with his wife, Barbara is The Hidden Room. For more information visit his website at williamdurbin.com.
Durbin's honors include a Junior Library Guild Selection, Bank Street College Children's Book of Year list, the ALA's Amelia Bloomer list, New York Library Books for the Teen Age list, Maud Hart Lovelace nomination, Jefferson Cup Series of Note Award, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award, America's Award commended title, Book Sense Summer Pick, Boy's Life magazine serialization, St. Petersburg Times serialization, nominations for numerous state awards lists, and starred reviews in the major journals.
"William Durbin's attention to detail—both historical and fictional—make him one of today's masters of historical YA fiction." -- David Gill of the NCTE
Reviews
"Durbin's first novel is an impressive coming-of-age tale set in Montreal at the dawn of the 19th century...Readers will embrace this unusual journey and its path to true bravery, strength of character, and self-reliance." Kirkus pointered review
"The combination of historical fiction set in 1800 with a coming-of-age tale works well here... Middle school students will be attracted to this enjoyable, fast-moving story." School Library Journal
"The lively writing, vivid characters, and page-turning adventure make this a great choice for Gary Paulsen fans." Booklist, Susan Dove Lempke
"William Durbin's attention to detail-both historical and fictional-make him one of today's masters of historical YA fiction." -- David Gill of the NCTE
