About This Book

A dramatic, witty Civil War tale from bestselling author Rodman Philbrick.

With the lighthearted voice yet serious content of Mark Twain's best fiction, master storyteller Rodman Philbrick takes readers on a colorful journey as young Homer P. Figg, an orphan, sets off to follow his only brother into the thick of the Civil War.  Through a series of fascinating events, Homer's older brother has been illegally sold to the Union army.  It is up to Homer to find him and save him.  Along the way, he encounters many strange but real people of that era who will engage and educate young readers about our nation's past — in one of the most decisive moments of American history.  In Homer's inspiring fight to track down his brother, Philbrick brings us another groundbreaking novel that is both entertaining and profound.

2010 Newbery Honor Book

* "Homer’s facile narration, and a little laying waste of the truth here and there, moves the plot quickly and creates a captivating read. Still, Homer never obscures the misfortunes of war and those who fought it." — Horn Book, starred review

* "Philbrick offers rip-roaring adventure in this Civil War–era novel featuring a mistreated orphan who doesn't let truth stand in the way of spinning a good yarn. The book wouldn't be nearly as much fun without Homer's tall tales, but there are serious moments, too, and the horror of war and injustice of slavery ring clearly above the din of playful exaggerations." — Publishers Weekly, starred review