The Warrior's Challenge: David Zeisberger by Dave and Neta Jackson

Stand alone novel

Summary: 

When white settlers force a group of Moravian Indians to abandon their thriving Pennsylvania town in 1772, thirteen-year-old Joseph Shabosh and his crippled friend David Heckstein leave with them. As unalike as the two boys are, both long for their lives to be different: Joseph dreams of a warrior’s life of adventure, and David of being less of a burden on his mother.

But the peaceful Moravians are not alone as they make their way west. Shadowy figures are spotted slipping among the trees along the trail—Mohegan warriors! A meeting with a proud, strong warrior during a hunt leaves Joseph more certain than ever that he wants to be a warrior, but young David is sure no good can come of spending time with the sly Mohegan. Should Joseph believe the warrior lie has befriended against his father’s will, or trust in the words of David and the Moravian missionary who leads them?

Opening Lines: 

Joseph Shabosh dumped the last bucket of corn slop into the hollowed-out log trough and shook his head in disgust as the snuffling hogs thrust their snouts into the gooey mash. "Dumb, ugly brutes," he muttered, "good for nothing except lying in a stinking mud hole to keep off the gnats and make more work for me."