Warbird

by Jennifer Maruno

Etienne is called on an adventure in the new world... In 1647, ten-year-old Etienne yearns for a life of adventure far from his family farm in Quebec. He meets an orphan destined to apprentice among the Jesuits at Fort Sainte-Marie. Making the most impulsive decision of his life, Etienne replaces the orphan and paddles off with the voyageurs into the north country. At Sainte-Marie, Etienne must learn to live a life of piety. Meanwhile, he also makes friends with a Huron youth, Tsiko, who teaches him the ways of his people. When the Iroquois attack and destroy the nearby village, Etienne must put his new skills into practice. Will he survive? Will he ever see his family again?

Genres: Canada, Historical

120 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Peggy Rector · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was exciting and thoughtful!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book because of the Canadian historical fiction theme. And also the author is local for me.

It’s 1647 in Quebec, which was a time of exploration and for 10-year-old Etienne a time for adventure. When he switches places with an orphan boy destined for Fort Sainte-Marie, he gets more of an adventure than he ever thought possible. Coming in at 120 pages might not seem like a lot but for the middle grade reader it is enough to get a look at what voyageurs and explorers went through in the early settlements of Ontario.

Warbird is ultimately a story of friendship, history and a close look at the struggles between the Iroquois, Jesuits and Hurons. A great book to learn about history in Ontario with an entertaining read.

This book was part of my 2025 reading off my shelf challenge and is book # 29

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of Durbin's The Broken Blade.