A boy discovers the complexities of conflict in this fast-paced and thoughtful look at the Vietnam War from the acclaimed author of<i>Soldier Boys </i>and <i>Missing in Action</i>.<br><br>Rick Ward wants to go to war.<br><br>And he’s not sure why. Maybe he’s running from his dad and his crazy temper. Maybe he’s running from his girl, who seems to think he’s more of a joke than a man. Or maybe he’s just running—to find himself.<br><br>After basic training, Rick enlists with the Charlie Rangers, a special unit that ambushes the enemy in secret jungle raids. It is the most dangerous front line duty, and Rick’s six-man team will experience everything from horrifying enemy encounters to mourning the death of a comrade.<br><br>Rick will discover that no one—not protestors, politicians, or writers—has got a clue. And he will see that war is far bigger, scarier, and more complicated than anything he ever could have imagined.