Coal Black Horse by Robert Olmstead

Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, this gripping tale follows a young boy named Robey Childs who embarks on a perilous journey to find his father, who has gone missing in the chaos of battle. Guided by a mysterious coal-black horse, Robey navigates the war-torn landscape, encountering the harsh realities of conflict and the complexities of human nature. As he traverses the ravaged countryside, Robey's quest becomes a profound exploration of courage, loss, and the transition from innocence to maturity, all while grappling with the moral ambiguities of a nation divided.