The September 1, 2009 edition of Kirkus Review features a review of Cris Peterson's Birchbark Briigade:

"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."