Unable to evade the sharp-eyed, suspicious Jesse, Lije is forced to join the terrible raid on Lawrence, Kansas, where he is wounded but manages to escape to his family. When Jesse catches Lije passing information, Hickok surprises Lije by helping to convince Jesse that it's just a love note. During two years on a Missouri farm, he meets raiders Frank and Jesse James and Jim (later 'Wild Bill') Hickok as well as Quantrill, fearfully participating in their activities but successfully evading hurting anyone on his true side. Lije sees his Pa killed during a raid later, in retaliation, the family's house is burned by Missouri 'Bushwackers.' Hoping to avenge these wrongs and help the Union, Lije agrees in 1861 to pose as a Bushwacker supporter. Strong adherents of the fanatical John Brown, the Tulleys are among the 'Jayhawkers' who rescue slaves from Missouri before the war. 'From the late author of many fine historicals, an authentic picture of a boy caught in the turmoil of the Civil War- abolitionist Lije Tulley, 13, already experienced in the bitter strife between Missouri and Kansas, is sent to Missouri to spy on Quantrill's raiders. Elijah is just beginning to learn the ways of being a Jayhawker when tragedy strikes the Tulley family, and now, Elijah must make a choice: allow the evil around him to flourish, or stand up and do something about it. His father is a staunch abolitionist and teaches Elijah by example to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves - sometimes endangering himself in the process. Enter Elijah Tulley, a young Kansas boy who comes of age amidst this chaos.

On the other side are the Jayhawkers - abolitionists who fight to put an end to slavery, sometimes by brutal means.

On one side are the bushwhackers - Missourians and others who believe strongly in slavery and would kill to preserve it. A few years before the beginning of the Civil War, seeds of unrest are already planted in America due to disagreement over slavery. An exciting new ebook from the folks at Beebliome Books! From renowned American author, Patricia Beatty, an exciting historical novel for readers age 10 and older.

Jayhawker by patricia beatty