Search and Destroy

A boy discovers the complexities of conflict in this fast-paced and thoughtful look at the Vietnam War from the acclaimed author of Soldier Boys and Missing in Action.

Rick Ward wants to go to war.

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.

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.

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.