The year is 1849 and 12 year old Zeb Crabtree is put on a steamboat bound for St. Louis, so he can became an apprentice to his Great Uncle Seth, who is a tanner. Tanning hides is about the last thing Zeb wants to do with his life, but he has no choice in the matter. While on the boat, Zeb falls under the charms of Chilly Larpenteur, a shady riverboat gambler, who fast-talks Zeb into becoming his apprentice. Along the way, Zeb also becomes friends with a blind Indian chief, his beautiful daughter, and a grouchy slave cook who help him get his life on track. Written by Joseph Helgerson (author of Horns and Wrinkles, another engrossing Mississippi River tale), this book may remind readers of Tom Sawyer. A full glossary in back will help readers navigate the tale's language (and it has funny spots too). It was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 2010.
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