Jacob, a young boy caught up in the excitement, idealism, and loyalty of the ranchers who lived during the Civil War in Florida reveals much about the time in which he lived. It is a book rich in history and the sounds, the smells, the dialect, the wants and needs of the families and their young amidst traumatically changing times. The feelings of Jacob and others about slavery, status, prejudice, divided loyalties, courage, pride, all play a role in the story which is an excellent way to absorb history and humanity. Jacob wants to help his country by joining the cow cavalry which flourished in the south during that time. The story grips young readers with excitement as they note the way Jacob handles changes, danger, and prejudicial feelings of others that are different from his own. Highly recommended.