The Voyageur's Paddle By: Kathy-Jo Wargin and Illustrated by: David Weister

Historical Fiction

The Voyageur's Paddle by: Kathy-jo Wargin

The Voyageur's Paddle is a Historical Fiction book that is a good selection for readers ages 6-9. The author displays a legendary story of the Great Lakes Region during the seventeenth century. This book allows readers to engage in the voyage of men and women who traveled in this century and the harsh weather and experiences they endured as their family waited for them to return.

Evaluation of Genre:

This book engages the young readers to explore this mythical and historical fiction. The book is a display of courage and strength in which the voyageur's son, Jacques dreams about following his father's footsteps to travel by canoe and paddle to be able to visit the native villages to trade goods.

Text and Illustrations:

The text provides the readers a feeling of emotion, courage and curiosity. It's descriptive language puts readers into the times in which the story took place. Jacques imagination is built into the story to give curiosity to the story line. The illustrations provide bold and colorful pictures of families and villages that Edouard encounters in his voyage, Overall, the text uses scenes in the illustrations that is more traditional and historical to the approach of the setting. 

Guided Questions and activity:  (1st-2nd grade)

1. What time period does the setting take place?

2. How does Edouard show his love for the voyages?
3. Why is Jacques fascinated about the voyages his father goes on?

*Activity:
Discuss and highlight New Words to Learn: Avant, Brigade, Bourgeous, en Derouine
Draw and illustrate a picture of the canoe and paddle that Edouard used in his escapades.

About the author:

Kathy-jo Wargin is the bestselling author of more than 45 books involving children's classic books.
She is dedicated in promoting quality reading in children's literature and has been writing professionally for over twenty years now. She is also known for her other classics like "The Legend of Sleeping Bear" and "Michigan". She continues to visit schools to perform small and large group presentations teacher-in service programs.


Other books written by Kathy-jo Wargin:

Wargin, Kathy-jo, The Voyageur's Paddle, Sleeping Bear Press, Copyright 2007