"In 1863, the Civil War is raging throughout "neutral" Missouri, turning neighbor against neighbor, and brother against brother. Fifteen-year-old Matt Howard is old enough to join the Southern guerrillas to protect his land from Union soldiers. That's what his best friend, Jesse James, intends to do. Matt himself would rather farm than fight, but as the violence creeps closer, he has no choice but to decide if his loyalties lie with his best friend, his family, or his country." -- From the back cover.

"The Civil War comes home to Missouri" -- Cover.