Louis Nolette, a fifteen-year-old Abenaki Indian from Canada, is recruited to fight in the northern Irish Brigade in the Civil War. Though he is too young, and neither American nor Irish, he finds the promise of good wages and the fight to end slavery persuasive enough to join up. But war is never what you expect, and as Louis fights his way through battles, he encounters prejudice and acceptance, courage and cowardice, and strong and weak leadership in the most unexpected places.

This paperback edition includes an author's note, discussion guide, and selected bibliography for further reading.

"A fine choice for readers who want war stories that include plenty of action, as well as reflection." --Booklist

This book has been graded for interest at 12+ years.

There are 298 pages in this book. This book was published 2013 by Penguin Putnam Inc .

JOSEPH BRUCHAC is a poet, storyteller, and author of more than sixty books for children and adults who has received many literary honors, including the American Book Award and the PEN Syndicated Fiction Award. He is of Abenaki and Slovak heritage, and lives in Greenfield Center, New York.