This book, which won the 1928 Newbery Medal for best contribution to American children's literature, is the story of a carrier pigeon raised in India who is used by a Bengal Regiment in France during World War I. Some aspects of the book appear illogical and I doubt that I would have cared for the book had I read it when I was young. But, I am probably in the minority.

Being a bird lover, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was a little far-fetched, which added to the romance. There was adventure, some excitement, and wonderful insights on bird and animal behavior given by way of the yarn. The author uses English in such an artistic manner that you aren't aware that he wrote especially for young readers. He gives a wonderful perspective on the Great War and life as he knew it as a boy in India. A slant you don't get from history books or tourists. I finished the book with a sense of wishing I had known the author. Now I am going to order the other books he wrote!