Mr. Lincolns Drummer by G. Clifton Wisler

Mr. Lincolns Drummer Reviews

• 
  Amy Meyers

  Behind Rebel Lines and this book both portrayed McClellan's failed "attempt" to take Richmond, VA in the first year of the war. It was frustrating to read about so many lives lost on both sides, not only due to battles, but to so much sickness as they waited around doing nothing. The book was an interesting perspective on an 11-year old, however, who was brave as an 11-year old can be. At the end, you don't really feel like he deserved a medal for what he did, but I think when you consider that these medals were a new thing at that time, that they were trying to raise the morale of the men, and Willie's age and bravery in comparison with his age, that it was honorable for him to receive the medal.
• 
  eleni

  this book was so cute. thoroughly. i received it when i was probably 11, and five years later i am now reading it.
  i think it’s a great way to introduce children to war and hardships. of course, not being a child anymore, the book was not the most riveting to me.
  it was very fast paced, which is something i’m not used to anymore, but i enjoyed it nonetheless.
  there is some brief graphic violence, as you would expect for a war novel, so i would just be conscious of that before giving it to a child.
  i found myself getting emotional before the book even started, with the dedication “to all the boys, in all the wars, who never came back.” it’s a story of friendship and discovering ones purpose, and i’m not ashamed to say that i got chills multiple times.
• 
  Lucas

  An interesting read about the youngest recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
• 
  Adrianne

  This was a great book to pair with Cycle 3 - Classical Conversations! The only hang up was the chapters felt suuuuuper long. But overall it was really great!
• 
  Luisa Knight

  A well told, true story about the youngest person in the military to ever receive a medal.
  
  Willie Johnston was a drummer boy for the Union Army and signed up when he was eleven. Just before he turned twelve, he performed the deed that would win him a medal; all though he did several other brave and noble deeds that were also just as noteworthy.
  
  Ages: 10+
  
  Cleanliness: mentions lack of privacy being in the army (swimming naked, taking clothes off for the doctor, using the facilities), men drinking and smoking (not overly mentioned), and a couple times the Lord's name is mentioned - uncertain whether in vain/actual prayer. Battle scenes are described - mildly graphic.
  
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• 
  Lisa the Librarian

  Not what I expected.
  
  One of my most powerful memories of the one trip I took to Washington DC is the American History Museum at the Smithsonian and the exhibit on Abraham Lincoln's funeral. The audio of a funeral drum was haunting. I thought this would be a story of the experience of a young boy who played that cadence during the funeral procession.
  
  Instead it is one young Civil War company drummer's experience in the Union army.
  
  It was well written and Willie seemed very real. This is a fictionalized account of actual events. Willie Johnston was the seventh soldier to ever be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and is the youngest person to ever be awarded this honor.
  
  I appreciated the respect and loyalty the soldiers had for "Mr. Lincoln"
• 
  Susan

  A nice historical novel about Willie Johnston, a Civil War drummer boy who earned a Congressonal Medal of Honor. Willie joined the Vermonters along with his father. Since he was too young to fight, he became a drummer boy. His father's group already had a drummer boy, so Willie was put with a different regiment. He survived battle and won the medal for not only helping wounded soldiers, but for being the only drummer who did not lose his drum during the Seven Days Battle. A very different take on the Civil War, but filled with a lot of history. Well worth the read.
• 
  Duane

  Willie joins the Union Army with his father and soons learns that the glory of war is only a rumor. He sees, smells, and feels the true grit of what a battle really constitutes. He's only 11, but soon he becomes a man in a boy's body as he learns what bravery really is and what true patriotism means. A great read for the civil war buff because it contains so much information on the daily lives of the soldiers before and after the battles that seemed so far between.
• 
  Jennifer Bohnhoff

  Mr. Lincoln's Drummer is a meticulously researched historical novel based on the real life Civil War experiences of Willie Johnston, an 11 year old drummer boy from Vermont. Willie is the youngest recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, and his story reveals both the horrors and the boredom of war. This is a simple and short book, perfect for good 3rd grade readers through slower 7th or 8th graders.
• 
  Katherine

  Story of the youngest man ever to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation's highest military decoration. He was only 11! He was a drummer during the Civil War, but his story encompasses so much more of the war than just drumming. My favorite quote from the book: "A man has to serve where and how his country asks."
• 
  Art

  Great look at the war from a drummer boy in the Union Army during the battles of 1862 w/ General McClellan.
  One unit, the Third Vermont, and the drummer boy being able to meet Mr. Lincoln.
  Great view about the war also.
• 
  Daisy_walden

  historical fiction... i think i will like it.
  Finally got this book read. It was a good story about what life was like during the civil war. not so glamorous. Walking from field to field through the mud and not knowing plans.
  
• 
  Molly

  Really great historical fiction for kids. Lots of detail making it both interesting and more accurate, giving kids a good perspective on the war. Really enjoyed it, great way for younger audiences to connect to the Civil War. Definitely recommend.
• 
  Emma

  War is such a hard thing to deal with. To gain even a small understanding of what this young boy went through is touching.
• 
  Sara

  this book takes you back in time to the civil war and is inspiring to all.
• 
  MARY Brazeau

  Looking for study guide questions for my students.
  I did find a pdf worksheet set online.
• 
  Ashley

  Great. Quick read, read it to my baby. Won't lie- I cried.
• 
  Joshjpark

  I think it was wired when the dad and son both joined the army but it was a very good book
• 
  Chloe Walton

  Good book.
• 
  M

  Excellent youth story about a real boy during the Civil War.
• 
  Matthew

  Great civil war narrative that has excellent character points.
• 
  Caleb

  i liked it