The Devils Backbone

by James Babb

The crops have failed and his family is starving, so fourteen year-old Brody slips out into the early morning darkness, desperate to find food in the foothills of the Devil's Backbone. A terrible accident, a rescue by a delusional ex-slave, and a journey to find his family has Brody growing into a man... and also wanted for murder.

"A riveting tale of adventure with a cast of characters as tough and timeless as the rifles we make."-Anthony Imperato, President of Henry Repeating Arms

"James Babb has crafted the extraordinary. Please, please do yourself a favor and read this."-Robert Bacon, The Perfect Write.

"The Devil's Backbone is a humble adventure into the hard lives of those who lived in the shadow of a war that had long since ended... I couldn't put this book down, James Babb wrote a novel that is engaging. The hunger, the cold, and the friendship, it's hard not to get drawn into this story.-Mike Kendra, CivilWarTalk.com

Genres: Historical Fiction

258 pages, Paperback

First published September 8, 2013

About the author

James Babb lives in Arkansas with his wonderful wife and two kids.
He's an avid outdoorsman and cancer survivor.

Reviews

[Melki · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Arkansas summer in 1880, 14-year-old Brody overhears his parents talking about the family's dire straights. The crops have failed. They've been going to bed hungry and have no way of surviving the coming winter. It looks like abandoning their farm and moving may be the only option. Brody decides to set out early the next morning, armed with his grandfather's gun. Maybe he can bring home some game to help his parents. But a hunting accident leaves him temporarily blinded and things are looking awfully grim, until...

Brody is saved by Ames, a former slave who worked for a Confederate general during the war. The only problem is, Ames is convinced the war is still going on. He is wracked with guilt over his wartime exploits and falsely accused of murder. Though he would like nothing more than to find his missing wife and daughter, Ames is determined to stay as far from civilization as possible. Brody only wants to return to his parents. Can they find a way to work together and achieve both their goals?

I don't want to give any more of the plot away. The book is beautifully written, and though there is plenty of action, it will also tug at your heart-strings. (I know...I was surprised to learn I had them!)

Hey, I'm a mom! The thought of a young boy, all by himself in the wilderness and so lonely that he holds conversations with an ill-tempered raccoon, damn near broke my heart.

I'm hooked and waiting for more of Brody's adventures.

[Chapter · Rating 4 out of 5]

As good as any Gary Paulsen book. I can't wait for book 2...I'm hoping?

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aimed at the middle school audience, James Babb’s debut novel set in Arkansas in the summer of 1880 brings to mind Charles Portis’ True Grit and the works of Arkansas writer, Douglas C. Jones. A delightful story of wilderness survival with plenty of action, adventure, and an underlying history lesson. The ending leaves an opening for more of 14-year-old Brody's adventures.

[Beth Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid storytelling. Read on the recommendation of a friend, I’m not a huge historical fiction person—particularly frontier-era history. The piece was well-researched, and I liked the author’s additional information he included at the end of the book. The main character, Brody, and the people who come into his life are quality characters. The Arkansas connection made for some interesting reading.

[Carie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because of the Arkansas history connection, and the potential author visit to our school. Some have compared it to Hatchet, and while there is plenty of outdoor adventure and excitement, it's just not as well written. The use of one sentence paragraphs was very hard to get used to in my opinion, and I felt that it made the text seem "choppy." Still, I think it will be a great addition to middle school libraries in the state, and the ending lends itself to a sequel which many should look forward.

[Daniel Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended Read
This well-written novel quickly establishes time and place with a confident, not overwrought descriptive style of storytelling. The characters are accessible and the tension palatable. I didn’t just know Brody, I felt like I was right next to him throughout the classic, Joseph Campbell, hero’s journey. A great story like this that also teaches history like no textbook ever can is a win-win.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

So excited to host this author, James Babb, at BFMS in May. Lots of action and adventure in this first book. I look forward to seeing what awaits Brody in the sequel as Mr. Babb continues to grow as a writer. I expect great things!!

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Babb visited my classroom and it was wonderful. I read the book before he arrived and I thought it was good. Can't wait to read The Devil's Trap out in September.