He is carried away by strangers, trained to serve in combat, and shipped to the battlefields of World War I. He is soon surrounded by the thunder of artillery; the slog of cold, muddy trenches; and the sight of wounded and dying horses and men barely older than Albert. Hunger, cold, and the sound of great guns bellowing out their fury are no match for Joey's bravery and sense of compassion. He is certain that someday he will return to England—that is, until he is captured by the enemy. Will he ever make it back to the farm and Albert?

This emotional and suspenseful historical novel is Joey's story, and author Michael Morpurgo has written it in Joey's clear and courageous voice.