"The history of colonial-era North America is usually presented to children in terms of settlement-think Jamestown and Plymouth-but this treatment too often ignores the fascinating development and expansion of the fur trade that drove much of the European interest in the continent… Peterson first provides a history of the military, political and economic development of the trade and then gives readers a snapshot of the lives of the Indians and voyagers who did the actual work. She relies on a wealth of primary-source material, from archival illustrations to quotes from players both large and small. ...The author's enthusiasm for her subject will communicate itself to readers, even those who never dreamed they'd be interested, making this the best kind of discovery."
     —Kirkus Reviews

"… well-researched account tightly packs a great deal of exploration …This will fill a gap in many history collections."
     —Booklist