The Drummer Boy of Vicksburg

by G. Clifton Wisler

Book Overview

Orion Howe, a fourteen-year old boy serving in the army as a drummer boy, receives the Medal of Honor for risking his life by running through a battlefield to tell General Sherman that his regiment is... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140386734
• ISBN13: 9780140386738
• Release Date: May 1999
• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Length: 133 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.1" x 7.8"
• Age Range: 3 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 3

Customer Reviews

A Review For The Ages

A distinct Civil War novel about a young Drummer Boy and his family taking part in the fight against the South. Orion Howe, fourteen years old is eager to follow in the footsteps of his father and little brother Lyston. Orions father makes him stay in school while he and Lyston, Orions eleven year old brother go off to war. Orion while staying at home with his grandmother in a suburb of Chicago goes to school. After spending months in schoool watching his classmates his age and younger leave for the war he grows restless. Orion with his grandmothers dissapointed approval runs away to the south to find the fifty-fifth illinois infantry regiment where his father and brother are drumming. After making it down to the fifty-fifth and finding his family he embarks on a journey that takes him through a rollercoaster of emotions. Orion jumps right in and contributes with his drumming. Orion is at home now with his brother and father, and is happy comforting the men of the fifty-fifth illinois. Although Orion has just newly arrived he is thrown into action quickly. A crucial battle rages and Orion along with his brother Lyston drum and comfort the men at first, but once the battle is underway they must do all they can to help in the hospital with the wounded men of the Union Army. Orion goes beyond everyones expectations when it comes down to the high point in the battle. This story is one of extreme courage and overcoming obstacles. I recommend reading this story if u are interested in the civil war and details of the life of a soldier.

The Best Civil War non-fiction book ever!

Orion Howe is a young boy who wants to put his drumming knowledge to good use. Disobeying his father, he runs away from school to join his brother, also a drummer. This is an excellent book, especially if you are interested in fifing and drumming.