Weary Road
(Book)

"Based on the true story of a dog and his soldiers" -- Cover.

A puppy was smuggled into the Thirteenth Illinois Infantry Regiment and named Salem, after the small Arkansas town where he was found. Fourteen-year-old Travis made a promise to his little brother to get Salem back, but the only way he could keep that promise was to join the army. Travis had planned to sneak away until he learned that deserters could be shot! Months later, Travis and the other soldiers of the Thirteenth stood with Chickasaw Bayou before them, their first real battle. Cannons and musket fire were ripping the ground to shreds, ground they were ordered to cross, but none of them dared to move forward. Suddenly, Salem charged onto the battlefield, chasing spent artillery and snapping at the sound of bullets in the air. If they manage to make it home, it will be a long and Weary Road.