Mr Tucket by Gary Paulsen

Gary Paulsen is the distinguished author of many critically acclaimed books for young people, including three Newbery Honor books: The Winter Room, Hatchet, and Dogsong. His novel The Haymeadow received the Western Writers of America Golden Spur Award. Among his most recent novels are Soldier's Heart and The Transall Saga. He and his wife, the painter Ruth Wright Paulsen, have homes in New Mexico and on the Pacific Ocean.From the Paperback edition.

It is 1848 and 14-year-old Francis Tucket is heading west on the Oregon Trail. When he lags behind to practice shooting his new rifle, he is captured by Pawnees. It will take wild horses, hostile tribes, and a mysterious one-armed man to help Francis come of age and survive the gritty frontier.