With Pipe, Paddle and Song
With Pipe, Paddle and Song; Elizabeth Yates; Bethlehem Books, U.S.; Rev ed. edition; 1 Jan 1998; ISBN 188393737X
This is a fictional book set in North-West Canada, 1750. In the time of the French Voyageurs intrepid adventure types would paddle their mighty canoes through raging rapids, and portage miles with heavy packs, all for the fluffy gold that was animal fur for the high fashions of Europe. We follow a 16 year old who signs on for a three year contract to be a Voyageur for adventure, and to find his fortune.
Reasons to read:
A wonderful story set in a fascinating time and place.
It's a story about canoeing!
It's an adventure book.
It has traditional Voyageur songs.
Discusses some of the cultural tensions between the First Nations and European settlers.
Things to watch out for:
This is fictional and some historical events should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Even Rob can blast through it in less than a day. Which he did while waiting for a digger bucket hot tub to heat up (which is a story we probably should tell some day).
Would we recommend this book?
Definitely, especially for the young adventurous types. This would have been a fantastic book for both of us in our teens.
