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Mr. Lincoln's Drummer
Willie might be too young to be a fighter, but he's brave enough to be a drummer.
Ten-year-old Willie Johnston is too young to be a soldier in Mr. Lincoln's army. So he joins as a drummer boy, instead. Part of Willie's job is rousing the troops in the morning with his drum—the other part is being the last to retreat in battles. In this true story, Willie shows he's brave enough to keep beating his drum, but will he be lucky enough to survive the war?
"Scrupulously researched and overflowing with evocative detail . . . Willie's tale is authentic and engaging."— Kirkus Reviews
Ten-year-old Willie Johnston is too young to be a soldier in Mr. Lincoln's army. So he joins as a drummer boy, instead. Part of Willie's job is rousing the troops in the morning with his drum—the other part is being the last to retreat in battles. In this true story, Willie shows he's brave enough to keep beating his drum, but will he be lucky enough to survive the war?
"Scrupulously researched and overflowing with evocative detail . . . Willie's tale is authentic and engaging."— Kirkus Reviews
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
9 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
G. Clifton Wisler
81 books15 followersHe was a North Texas schoolteacher who became a prolific author best known for his historical novels, most of them written for young adults.
He had written 73 books and 22 short stories and had contributed numerous articles to Boys' Life magazine for at least 20 years.
Born in Oklahoma City, Mr. Wisler grew up in Dallas, where he graduated with honors from Hillcrest High School in 1968.
He received his bachelor's degree from Southern Methodist University in 1972 and began teaching at Denton High School, where his duties included the school newspaper and yearbook.
He returned to SMU, where he earned his master's degree in English and education in 1974. He later attended the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of North Texas, where he was writing his dissertation on a Civil War history of the 9th Texas Infantry Regiment for a doctorate in history.
Mr. Wisler had many 9th Texas Infantry artifacts on loan from people helping him in his research, his sister said.
Mr. Wisler taught at Ben Jackson Middle School in Garland. In 1979, he published his first novel, My Brother, the Wind, which was nominated for the 1980 American Book award.
In 1984, Mr. Wisler left teaching to devote himself to writing. Two years later, he briefly returned to teaching at Bowman Middle School in Plano.
Mr. Wisler's honors include the International Reading Association's 2001 Paul A. Witty Short Story Award for his work, "The Orange Armband," and an Association of Educational Publishers 2000 Distinguished Achievement Award for Bloody Pond.
He twice won the Western Writers of America Spur Award and was a finalist for the honor eight times.
Gary grew up in Scouting, in Troop 709 sponsored by Ridgewood Park United Methodist Church. After graduating from Hillcrest High School in 1968, he went on to SMU. While a college student in the 1970s, he served as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 709. He also later served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 143, and as Scoutmaster of Troop 30 and Troop 106.
He kept his Vigil in 1982 and was given the Vigil name "Mane of the Buffalo Herder." Gary was recognized with the District Award of Merit for service to youth in and out of the Scouting program. Gary completed Wood Badge and served on staff at Camp Constantin. He received the National Silver Beaver Award.
Gary received the Phil Paul Award in 1986 and the Founders Award in 1990.
Gary was a contributing writer to Boys' Life magazine and other Scouting publications. Among his writings was the short story, The Orange Armband, published in the December 2000 issue of Boys' Life. It tells the fascinating story of American soldiers arriving to liberate Nazi-occupied Holland, and how outlawed Boy Scouts joining the fight for freedom. He contributed to and edited I Go To Prepare a Trail for You, Mikanakawa Lodge 1937-1987, the Lodge history book.
In addition, Gary was a popular writer for young readers, authoring more than 70 books, including Run the Blockade, Red Cap, My Brother the Wind, Massacre at Powder River, A Cry of Angry Thunder and Piper's Ferry: A Tale of the Texas Revolution. He traveled extensively to research his books, placing the reader often in the shoes of a boy growing into manhood amid difficult, historical times. His books are found in school libraries and public libraries across the United States. He was a noted Civil War historian.
Gary taught English and Journalism in both Garland and Plano public schools, educating many who have gone on to prominent careers in journalism. He lived most of his adult life in Plano.
In this life, he was taken all too quickly from us. He lived his life for others, devoting himself fully to the work of the Lord in all he did, living the Scout Oath, Scout Promise and more importantly, The Golden Rule.
He had written 73 books and 22 short stories and had contributed numerous articles to Boys' Life magazine for at least 20 years.
Born in Oklahoma City, Mr. Wisler grew up in Dallas, where he graduated with honors from Hillcrest High School in 1968.
He received his bachelor's degree from Southern Methodist University in 1972 and began teaching at Denton High School, where his duties included the school newspaper and yearbook.
He returned to SMU, where he earned his master's degree in English and education in 1974. He later attended the University of Texas at Dallas and the University of North Texas, where he was writing his dissertation on a Civil War history of the 9th Texas Infantry Regiment for a doctorate in history.
Mr. Wisler had many 9th Texas Infantry artifacts on loan from people helping him in his research, his sister said.
Mr. Wisler taught at Ben Jackson Middle School in Garland. In 1979, he published his first novel, My Brother, the Wind, which was nominated for the 1980 American Book award.
In 1984, Mr. Wisler left teaching to devote himself to writing. Two years later, he briefly returned to teaching at Bowman Middle School in Plano.
Mr. Wisler's honors include the International Reading Association's 2001 Paul A. Witty Short Story Award for his work, "The Orange Armband," and an Association of Educational Publishers 2000 Distinguished Achievement Award for Bloody Pond.
He twice won the Western Writers of America Spur Award and was a finalist for the honor eight times.
Gary grew up in Scouting, in Troop 709 sponsored by Ridgewood Park United Methodist Church. After graduating from Hillcrest High School in 1968, he went on to SMU. While a college student in the 1970s, he served as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 709. He also later served as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 143, and as Scoutmaster of Troop 30 and Troop 106.
He kept his Vigil in 1982 and was given the Vigil name "Mane of the Buffalo Herder." Gary was recognized with the District Award of Merit for service to youth in and out of the Scouting program. Gary completed Wood Badge and served on staff at Camp Constantin. He received the National Silver Beaver Award.
Gary received the Phil Paul Award in 1986 and the Founders Award in 1990.
Gary was a contributing writer to Boys' Life magazine and other Scouting publications. Among his writings was the short story, The Orange Armband, published in the December 2000 issue of Boys' Life. It tells the fascinating story of American soldiers arriving to liberate Nazi-occupied Holland, and how outlawed Boy Scouts joining the fight for freedom. He contributed to and edited I Go To Prepare a Trail for You, Mikanakawa Lodge 1937-1987, the Lodge history book.
In addition, Gary was a popular writer for young readers, authoring more than 70 books, including Run the Blockade, Red Cap, My Brother the Wind, Massacre at Powder River, A Cry of Angry Thunder and Piper's Ferry: A Tale of the Texas Revolution. He traveled extensively to research his books, placing the reader often in the shoes of a boy growing into manhood amid difficult, historical times. His books are found in school libraries and public libraries across the United States. He was a noted Civil War historian.
Gary taught English and Journalism in both Garland and Plano public schools, educating many who have gone on to prominent careers in journalism. He lived most of his adult life in Plano.
In this life, he was taken all too quickly from us. He lived his life for others, devoting himself fully to the work of the Lord in all he did, living the Scout Oath, Scout Promise and more importantly, The Golden Rule.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 27, 2017
3 1/2 stars. The true story of Willie Johnston, an eleven year old boy who was awarded the congressional Medal of Honor during the civil war. Interesting story, but it got bogged down in its descriptions of battles, giving just enough geographic and logistical details to become confusing and lose my interest, but not enough to actually make sense.
December 22, 2018
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.
January 7, 2021
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.
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.
September 19, 2017
I like this book what I think is that is so interesting.
March 12, 2021
An interesting read about the youngest recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
April 6, 2021
A great story about 10 year old Willie Johnston, future Congressional Medal of Honor winner, and his adventures as a drummer in battle during the Civil War.
April 14, 2021
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!
August 26, 2022
So the book, is very interesting. At first you really don't want to read it but as you continue to read it, it gets really better. Plus it was an easy american history grade so read it for sure.
September 6, 2023
True story (with some fictionalized elements) of an 11-year old drummer boy who received a medal of honor for his service during the Civil War.
December 26, 2023
Been 20 years since I've read this but never forget reading it.
June 11, 2024
It’s a pretty clean representation of what it was like to be a union soldier on the civil war. Based on a true story. I thought it was ok, but my 11 year old thought it was boring.
October 25, 2024
3.5⭐️ Great book for elementary bookclub.
October 26, 2024
Good read for elementary book club. 3.5⭐️
April 27, 2024
A little dry but historically fairly accurate. A good introduction to the Civil War for a young reader.
March 20, 2020
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.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
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.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
February 18, 2009
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"
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"
November 12, 2012
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.
August 11, 2008
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.
July 31, 2015
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.
March 11, 2008
I really enjoyed this one. Although it is a ficticious account it is solidly based on a true story. I found that it made me want to learn more about the civil war because some of the battles of the war were portrayed or referenced in the book and I wished I could have been able to place this story into the bigger story of the civil war.
October 26, 2011
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."
August 9, 2008
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.
One unit, the Third Vermont, and the drummer boy being able to meet Mr. Lincoln.
Great view about the war also.
August 22, 2013
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.
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.
December 28, 2013
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.
August 27, 2015
I didn't care for the way the author presented his ideas in this novel. I didn't feel that it was believable for a son and his father to be able to both join the army and still be in contact with one another though they were in different units. I struggled to finish it.
April 10, 2008
War is such a hard thing to deal with. To gain even a small understanding of what this young boy went through is touching.
May 22, 2010
this book takes you back in time to the civil war and is inspiring to all.
July 1, 2012
Looking for study guide questions for my students.
I did find a pdf worksheet set online.
I did find a pdf worksheet set online.
June 18, 2012
Great. Quick read, read it to my baby. Won't lie- I cried.
June 13, 2012
I think it was wired when the dad and son both joined the army but it was a very good book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews