When 12-year-old Daniel appears at Dark Creek ranch, the owner, Matt, takes him in.

But this is Texas, 1861, the Civil War is raging and soon Matt leaves to join up.

Accompanied by an elderly Mexican cowhand, No-head Nolan, an eccentric vaquero, Beto and Matt's daughter, Daniel is left to drive the cattle along the Shawnee Trail 680 miles to Kansas.

It is a hazardous journey, across flooded rivers, through dangerous Indian territory, and facing ruthless banditos - this is the story of that incredible trip.

A vividly drawn, historical adventure from this Booker shortlisted author