Drums of War

by Edith Morris Hemingway, Jacqueline Cosgrove Shields, Edith M. Hemingway

Charley King, a twelve-year old boy form Pennsylvania, is caught up in the excitement and patriotism of the Civil War. Proud and eager to serve his country, Charley volunteers as a drummer boy, beginning the perilous journey that takes him from the defense of Washington to the horrific battle of Antietam. Based on an actual person, Drums of War is a novel that will transport you to the front lines of the War Between the States, where you will march alongside Charley right up to the stunning, gut-wrenching conclusion.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Civil War, Childrens, Young Adult, Middle Grade, War, Fiction

162 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Edie Kennard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read! Love the different perspective.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was desperate for a book to read, so I went to my stash of children's books. This is one that I remember purchasing from one of those Scholastic flyers from school. I'm not sure any of my kids read it, but I really enjoyed it. It's written for the audience about the same age as the main character--around twelve. The realistic, yet not overly grotesque, description of Civil War battles and scenes make it appropriate for older grammar school aged children. This would be a great read to go along with Civil War study. It is based on a true story of 12 year-old Charles King who joins the Union army as a drummer. The narrative follows Charley and his company through battles in Virginia and Maryland. The reader is privileged to see the war through the perspective of a young boy and learn along with him that the "glory" of serving his country is packaged with conflicting emotions and real danger--even for a drummer boy. The book has some sketch illustrations, including a map showing the travels of Charley's company. The book brings up a lot of subjects to discuss (like in a classroom setting) and includes historical figures that the kids will recognize. I learned some about the living conditions of the soldiers and what a drummer boy's duties included. I found it interesting and the writing engaging.

[Linda Brewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a historical fiction that shows the horrors of war from the viewpoint of a 12 year old boy. It shows a realistic telling of the kinds of situations a soldier encounters. The fact that the main character is still a child gives a different perspective that a fifth or sixth grader might find compelling. The story is geared toward an older child because the subject matter is blunt at times. There are graphic descriptions of injuries, but they are part of the story itself. It in no way glorifies any part of war, including the ending.

[Ggrfjiifcj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was one of the best nonfiction books I read. It entails great feelings of patriotism inside a 12 year old boy. It all starts with the 12 year old boy, Charley, wanting to be a drummer boy in the wars his nation fights. While doing that, he faced many hardships but also enjoyment. He builds many characteristics along the way. Overall this was an amazing book.

[Brandon Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall it was a pretty good book. It talks about a boy that joins the army and becomes a drummer boy and goes through his adventures and the friends he makes.

[Dalton Romach · Rating 4 out of 5]

The theme of the book, "Drums Of War," depicts the transformation of a young twelve year old boy named Charles E. King during his enlistment with the American Civil War. Initially upon volunteering as a drummer boy, Charley feels the excitement, honor, glory and patriotism that is expected from a naive child, but he is inevitably transformed by the horrors, sadness, loss and reality of war. The conflict of the book is simply "war" (the American Civil War). Many casualties occur, many soldiers become wounded, and boys become men due to the horrific things that happen. The soldiers and drummers are faced with many obstacles, such as inclement weather, infection, diseases, hunger, etc. One Signpost in particular that I had identified in "Drums Of War" was "Contrast and Contradiction." The scene in mind demonstrates how Charley surprisingly saved Frank from falling into the quickly moving stream and dying. This is surprising since Frank had been treating Charley poorly throughout most of the book. Frank had been responsible for hurting Charley physically and mentally, but Charley was selfless and willing to put the past behind him and save Frank. Charley even pleaded to God, begging for Frank not to die. On page 80, it states, "'Don't give up, Frank, don't give up!"' Charley shouted. Then silently, "'Please God, not him too. Please, God." I, personally, would not have expected Charley to put his own life in danger in order to save Frank because of the treatment that was given to Charley early on. The resolution of the book is that the war is over and the North (the Union) had finally won, even though there were many casualties. The death of Charley was also a part of the resolution. His death had put an end to the horrific scenarios that he had endured for so long. The rating that I give this book is four out of five stars. This very good rating is justified, since I had really enjoyed the plot of the story, the unique characters and the message intended. Regardless, I was saddened upon the ultimate death of Charley. I was touched deeply, almost to tears, when Charley's family had allowed Frank to live with them, upon the request and words of endearment by Charley. Finally, the detailed descriptions, thoughts and dialogue of the various characters, as well as the clear and realistic images of the surroundings, had successfully allowed me to feel as if I was actually present in the journey. It was as clear to me as if I had been an actual character in the novel. To me, that feeling is a special one that can only be obtained by the very best of writers.

[John David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, because I am a big Civil War buff. I have been interested in the Civil War since I was little, so this was a grreat book for me.
"Drums of War" was about a boy named Charlie King, who signed up in the Union Army when he was 12 years old. He signed up to be a drummer boy with his parents' permission only because he promised to stay close to Captain Sweeney. Charlie and the rest of the boys of the drum corps of the Pennsylvania 49th are all good friends, except for Frank, an orphan who lost his sister. As the story goes along, though, Charlie and Frank become good friends. They see many battles together, and also many adventures, such as Charlie's hot airballoon ride. At the battle of Sharpsburg, Charlie is hit from shrapnel from a cannon ball, and Frank and the Sergent of the drum corps, Sergent O'Toole have to carry him to the nearest field hospital. Several ddays later, Charlie dies. Charlie's father comes and gets Charlie's body and takes Frank home to his new family.
This story was a little sad at the end, but the rest of the book was really good. I would definatley recommend it to a friend.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drums Of War by Edith Morris Hemingway

Charley King was but 12 years old when he signed up to become a Drummer boy in the Union Army's 49th Regiment from West Chester Country, PA. He wanted to serve his country as most men did back then. Based on a true story, Charley spoke of what it was like to live amongst the soldiers in the tents, walking on the roads to battle as he's drumming the battle tune. Along the way he meets Elspeth, the young girl he is smitten with and writes to her and his parents of what daily life was like on the first line of defense.
A beautiful story that is also gut wrenching in the end.

[Leeann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is based on a real person, and because of that the reader is not spared the ugliness and horror of warfare. In all the history and historical fiction books I've read, the same theme emerges--the initial excitement and frenzy to rush off to war, soon replaced with the boredom, the fear, and eventually a dulling of the senses to the repeated horrors of war. Young Charley put a period on the grim reality of war when he said about his grandfather's drum that had been hit when he was: "Grandpa Eb was wrong, Frank. He said it was all for honor and glory. . . Don't fix the drum, Frank. Leave it as it is." Reading the book gave me a real sense of the daily life of soldiers during the Civil War.https://www.facebook.com/tricia.m.thi...

[Camille Halstead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Drums of War is an intense book. It's one of those book that you just can't put down. I haven't had a book that good in a while. Charley (one of the main charters) has gone through so much and seen a lot in his time in the service playing the drum. He is one of the most bravest 12-year-old I have ever heard of, but he didn't do it alone. With his good friends supporting him and him family giving home the power to move on, nothing could stop him. I would recommend this book to those who like to go to bed and the people of your book dance across you dreams acting out the stories they tell.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books will be a good addition to the civil war books my students like to read. They will especially like following Charley as he is close to their own ages. I enjoyed this book, but liked other books on the subject better.

[Kiera Wissing]

I loved hearing the story of Charlie King and Frank Simpson, how their relationship grows and how they help each other throughout the war. It is really interesting how they have to fight for survival while fighting the rebels!

[Austin Fairris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A touching story of a young drummer boy durring the civil war, torn from his family and falling in love with a girl who he can never be with.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two of my favorite things.

[Karijean31 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love books that make me cry!