Carl Wade has absolutely no desire to follow in the farmer footsteps of his dad. He is determined to follow his own dream of becoming a wealthy fur trader. This means challenging parental authority to prove he can do it. With only his beloved dog and a few provisions, the 17-year-old sets out on an adventure that takes him through a series of encountersawith Indians, wild animals, boyhood afriends, a a 15-year-old girl (who inadvertently becomes his partner), and even a snake biteaall against the backdrop of a bitter winter in the Georgia frontier. Carlas determination to leave the comforts of home catapults him into shocking, real-life situations in the wild. In each amake or breaka circumstance of the trapping season, his parentsa high principles become his compass. The readeras emotions will run the gamut from delight to fear, as Carl is forced to meet lifeas realities head-on.