In Dogs to Men, author James T. Baker recounts the escapades of a small-town football team that endures the hazards of growing up. He follows "the Demopolis Dogs" through pratfalls on the field, on the stage, and in their relationships, and on their twisting trail to becoming men. On its face, it is a coming of age simple story, but Baker makes you feel both the anguish and ecstasy of adolescence. An experience that turns out to be a muddy, painful team experience.

The group of boys , who refer to themselves as "Us Dogs" appears as a somewhat disjointed team. They always seem to come together in an "all for one, and one for all" spirit. As each member of the team uniquely arrives at manhood, the similarity to your own youthful struggle awaken long ago memories. By the end of the novel, you'll be reminded that we all have come to the same end point. As adults, we have the wisdom to realize that some complete their journey in better condition than others.