Patrick: Adventures Along the Oregon Trail by David Metzger

Patrick: Adventures Along the Oregon Trail is a historical fiction work for young readers. The story is set in the 1800's. Patrick's parents decide to leave their farm in Missouri and undertake the risky wagon train journey to Oregon, in the hope of a larger farm. Patrick is a quick-witted, adventuresome ten-year-old who likes to carve targets in trees and throw stones at them. He explores the ever-changing landscape, and his adventures test his resourcefulness, skills, and values. An Arapaho war party finds him and takes him to their chief, who tests him. His very life hangs in the balance, and he does not know if he will ever see his family again.