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Red Cap
R.J. thought that war would be the ultimate adventure—until he was in the middle of it.
In 1862, thirteen-year-old Ransom J. Powell lies about his age and joins the Union Army as a drummer boy. At first, he is thrilled to be defending his country, but by the time he has been in his first skirmish he sees war for the brutal horror that it is. Then he and his regiment are captured and taken to Camp Sumter, a Confederate prison. With its disease and cruel guards, Camp Sumter is worse than any battlefield, and Ransom watches is friends die one by one. Will he be next?
"A sober but important contribution to the growing number of Civil War novels."—Booklist
"Vibrant characters and realistic war and prison scenes combine to make [this] a compelling book."—School Library Journal
In 1862, thirteen-year-old Ransom J. Powell lies about his age and joins the Union Army as a drummer boy. At first, he is thrilled to be defending his country, but by the time he has been in his first skirmish he sees war for the brutal horror that it is. Then he and his regiment are captured and taken to Camp Sumter, a Confederate prison. With its disease and cruel guards, Camp Sumter is worse than any battlefield, and Ransom watches is friends die one by one. Will he be next?
"A sober but important contribution to the growing number of Civil War novels."—Booklist
"Vibrant characters and realistic war and prison scenes combine to make [this] a compelling book."—School Library Journal
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
15 people are currently reading
184 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 37 reviews
May 17, 2015
In the time of the Civil War, a boy named Ransom J. Powell went off to join the war. When he was finished signing up to be in the war, he was made a drummer boy. A drummer boy for the 10th Virginian Regiment. Ransom went on to make friends who quickly died in battle or got captured. Since Ransom played the drum he had to get out of the way of the soldiers fire. Ransom did so until one day he was nicknamed by his fellow soldiers and friends "Red Cap". They had what you would call an army life or what wasn't plastered with blood. 2 years pass and he gets captured and transported to Camp Sumnter, a Confederate prison at Andersonville Georgia. But no matter what they did to Ransom he didn't talk he was loyal only to the Union part of the war. The others that were captured were slowly dieing around him, so the soldiers in charge of the camp gave him a job. The job was to become the camps drummer boy and so he did it with pride. Ransom was given a chance to escape the camp by signing a paper that would release him. But instead of signing it he went on to stay in the camp no matter what. Until the war was over, fortunately for him there was at least one soldier that was in charge of the camp that was sympathetic to his cause. And that is how he lived through the camp, by not only making his friends lives more endurable but by the soldier who helped him. Ransom eventually got out and made a living as clerk in the federal pension office, where his penmanship and concern for his fellow veterans earned him many friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2012
This book takes place in the Civil War where a boy named Ransom J. Powell goes off to join the war on the Union side.Since he was young when he was finished signing up to be in the war he was made a drummer boy instead of a soldier on the front lines. Ransom went on to make friends who quickly died in battle or got captured and really saw the casualties of war.At that point you could tell Ransom had no idea what he had just signed up for. Since Ransom played the drum he had to get out of the way of the soldiers fire and started to feel like he wasent really apart of the army.Two years pass and he gets captured and transported to Camp Sumnter, a Confederate prison. The confederates interrogated him but he did not tell them anything showing his loyalty to the union.Ransom kept drumming in the camp to try and raises the hopes of the other captured soldiers who seemed to be giving up.Ransom never gave up and eventually got out and made a living as clerk.I would recommend this book for someone who wants to see a behind the lines perspective of the civil war.
December 19, 2017
I remember when this book was a new book and a librarian sent it home with me to read back in 1992. I remember really liking the book, but, since I haven't read it since I was 10 years old, I'm hesitant to actually review it. For me back then, this was a 5 star book.
I had forgotten the book entirely until I was looking over donations and saw a copy of Mustang Flats by the same author. I kept looking at the author name thinking, huh, that sounds familiar. Of course, my library system no longer owns this book, but I think I'll buy a copy and see if it's still as I remember it.
I had forgotten the book entirely until I was looking over donations and saw a copy of Mustang Flats by the same author. I kept looking at the author name thinking, huh, that sounds familiar. Of course, my library system no longer owns this book, but I think I'll buy a copy and see if it's still as I remember it.
August 12, 2008
RJ joins the Union Army because he believes in what it's fighting for, but soon he discovers that war isn't as glorious as it's made out to be. After finding himself in a prisoner of war camp, he learns quickly that being honest to yourself takes strength that he can't even begin to understand. This is a great story about how even the "bad" side has good people in it and it's not easy to know who is the right or wrong side. A great read!
April 9, 2016
Andersonville prison was notorious for its treatment of Union soldiers during the Civil War. G. Clifton Wisler's historical fiction is a story of hope in the midst of the horrors of a POW camp. The main character, RJ, tugs at your heart and has you believing that good will always triumph over evil. This is a story worthy of a second read.
December 10, 2010
Set in 1862 during the Civil War , Ransom Powell signs on as a drummer for the Union army. after a few scrimmages Ransom is captured. The book describes the prison camps and the inmates devastation and attempts to stay alive.
October 18, 2012
Thirteen-year-old Ransom (later dubbed "Red Cap") thought fighting in the Civil War would be an adventure--until the day of his first battle. "A sober but important contribution to the growing number of Civil War novels".--Booklist. An ALA Best Book for Young Adults.
January 6, 2015
I have read this book a number of times. It is a wonderful, touching story based on the life of a real drummer boy in the Civil War. Wisler is a fantastic story teller and his characters and atmosphere are wonderful.
February 8, 2016
I love this book! It has a wonderful tale of the horrors of Libby Prison and Andersonville, while still keeping the heart of a young boy alive to get through it all. The language sounds very real and the characters are great.
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December 7, 2007It was REALLY sad, he was fifteen and he weighted 70 pounds. Now that is sad.
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November 20, 2008One of my favorites growing up. I actually met the author at a book conference in grade school. Got me into history and the Civil War. Go Ranny!
October 25, 2009
bad. quite honestly if you have a choice as to whether or not you want to read this book, DON'T.
October 8, 2010
What a great story. Good reading. I have only read a few Civil War stories and all have been enjoyable. I am glad I took the time to read them all.
March 12, 2011
Another kids Civil War book. Good quick read. Would be a good read aloud too.
August 5, 2011
One of my childhood favorites!
April 7, 2012
If you like histortical fiction, you will enjoy this.
December 30, 2012
Great book for boys who like the war stuff. Author did a great job researching.
December 19, 2023
“Want to come?” “I did and I didn’t. Was Adventure calling, and had it had a hard pull to it.” These were the questions that went through Ransom J. Powel’s head as he considered leaving for the War. As you walk alongside Ransom J. Powell you will learn of the events that took place during the Civil War through the eyes of a small drummer boy. Scared of being left behind R.J. decides to leave his home and enlist in the Union Army. Not long into Ransom's adventure, he learns about the casualties of war. Ransom loses close friends and others he has grown to love, this displays the sobering truth about the War. Despite seeing his friends die one by one, Ransom continues to have hope for what he's fighting for. After serving for 2 years R.J. was captured by the Confederate army and taken to Camp Sumter. While he is there he gets the nickname Red Cap because of his loyalty to the Union.
Wisler’s vivid storytelling makes this book engaging. Historical events are brought to life through the emotion, description, and recognition of the hard times the soldiers went through. The book keeps a good pace and yet does not feel as if you are moving too fast. This book does not require a lot of interpretation since Wisler's writing style is down-to-earth, which makes it perfect for younger readers.
If you love to learn about events through stories this book is for you. Younger readers may appreciate the easy-to-follow-along language that Wisler uses and how the story is portrayed through a young character.
Wisler’s vivid storytelling makes this book engaging. Historical events are brought to life through the emotion, description, and recognition of the hard times the soldiers went through. The book keeps a good pace and yet does not feel as if you are moving too fast. This book does not require a lot of interpretation since Wisler's writing style is down-to-earth, which makes it perfect for younger readers.
If you love to learn about events through stories this book is for you. Younger readers may appreciate the easy-to-follow-along language that Wisler uses and how the story is portrayed through a young character.
April 1, 2020
I teach 8th grade ELA, and I enjoy doing cross-curricular activities with Georgia Studies. Normally, we read the historical fiction novel Numbering All the Bones,which details how the lives of the community surrounding Andersonville were impacted by the Civil War and the prison there. Red Cap, on the other hand, details how the Civil War destroyed towns and friendships. Our protagonist deals with internal and external conflicts due to his young age and desire to remain loyal to the cause. This story shows many sides and harsh realities of the war, and it can especially reach young boys since it is based on a real person, Ransom Powell, drummer boy in the Union army.
December 26, 2017
One of my kids handed me this saying it was one of the best books he's ever read. I enjoyed it, and I can definitely see how this more gruesome and realistic tone of book would be amazing to young kids who are starting to want to see that reality in books. I didn't love this, and I honestly was a bit bored with the plot line (most of the book involves him staying in a Civil War prison and watching his friends slowly die around him), but I definitely appreciated it. Definitely a great read for someone who wants a realistic yet appropriate historical fiction in the middle grade genre. Definitely recommend!
October 15, 2018
It has been many years since I read this book, but I still remember loving it. No, it wasn't necessarily a fun book to read, but it really opened my eyes to the realities of war and what it was like for those who fought in it. It also gives a close-up view of what a prison camp was like during the civil war. Red Cap really made an impact on younger me. It is sad, but still, in my option, a good book.
June 21, 2021
I read this book when I was younger and it instantly became one of my favorites, although admittedly I am partial to the American Civil War.
Great YA read as I was taught to believe the genre should be an intro to what a full world of reading can be. This book even now as a read does not hold back on the experience of war taken from the viewpoint of a drummer boy. A wonderful arc of storytelling.
Great YA read as I was taught to believe the genre should be an intro to what a full world of reading can be. This book even now as a read does not hold back on the experience of war taken from the viewpoint of a drummer boy. A wonderful arc of storytelling.
July 6, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and the history behind it. There wasn't any dull or boring moments yet it also wasn't too fast paced. An enjoyable casual yet never boring book about young R.J Powell who heads off to fight in the civil war at age 13.
I found some parts of this book a little hard to follow/confusing and it was a little hard for me to understand the different war terms (for lack of better words).
4.5 stars, I would read it again!
I found some parts of this book a little hard to follow/confusing and it was a little hard for me to understand the different war terms (for lack of better words).
4.5 stars, I would read it again!
October 21, 2019
I'm reading a few middle grade books set during the Civil War. This one was better than the last one, say 3 1/2 stars. Based on a real figure, a drummer boy imprisoned with his company in Andersonville, the notorious prison for Yankee soldiers in Georgia.
May 8, 2013
This book was not my favorite. I found myself dousing off at parts and having to go back and reread it! Red Cape was suggested to me by my history teacher and I disliked it.
The whole plot confused me. A thirteen year old boy lies about his age to become one of the Union Army's drummer boy. All is well until his party gets captured and put in the Confederacy Prison in Alabama. He gets out and in and then somehow gets sent on a ship to Maryland.
I wouldn't suggest this book to any one!!
The whole plot confused me. A thirteen year old boy lies about his age to become one of the Union Army's drummer boy. All is well until his party gets captured and put in the Confederacy Prison in Alabama. He gets out and in and then somehow gets sent on a ship to Maryland.
I wouldn't suggest this book to any one!!
March 3, 2015
fiction entertainment book, in my opinion the author did not do a good job of describing what it was like to be red cap like the chapter he is in the pow camp I did not feel as if I was there, and the fighting in the book was far from action felt. the strengths were that the book does do a good job of boring me. I do not reccomend Red Cap to others because this is a watered down version of a war novel.
April 8, 2015
This was an assigned read for my 6th grade son who is studying the Civil War. It is full of detail about the conditions of the POW Camps during the Civil War, Libby Prison and Andersonville. The language is very hard to follow since it is mostly southern language and then Captain Weiz speaks in German. My son seem restless and bored with this book, he tends to enjoy adventurous books, this one felt like the ending was rushed and sudden.
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July 29, 2011A young drummer is captured and sent to Andersonville Prison during the Civil War. There he helps his company try to survive the horrors of the prison. A good book for kids learning about the Civil War.
October 19, 2012
The book was a great book. I really liked it becouse it was about history and history's my favorite subject.
Although my personal likes the book was a clear book about the action that a drummer boy was dragged into.
Although my personal likes the book was a clear book about the action that a drummer boy was dragged into.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2008
WOW!
Andersonville, a death camp during the American Civil War.
Youth coming to age in a prison camp.
Great read.
Andersonville, a death camp during the American Civil War.
Youth coming to age in a prison camp.
Great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews