Different Drummers

by Don Caron

Different Drummers is a true story from 1965 which follows a hyperactive fireball named Lyle and his best friend David, who’s in a wheelchair with muscular dystrophy, as they test their grade school principal, the laws of gravity, and believe it or not, even the existence of God.

When David accurately predicts the death of their fourth-grade teacher and attributes it to a Divine Message, Lyle feels compelled to challenge David’s claim. Using memorized quotes from the Jack LaLanne show, he devises a plan to get David out of his wheelchair and running again, thinking it would prove, once and for all, whether or not God is real. Oblivious to the concept of common sense, Lyle begins to twist the rules, pushing the stakes to ever more dangerous levels, ultimately bringing the boys face to face with life’s most inspiring and painful truths.

This novel provides a startling and surprisingly humorous view of the world through the eyes of a hyperactive child. Turbocharged, inspiring and heart-warming, it will remind you of our unlimited potential, the vital necessity of our differences, and the essential role each of us play in the lives of others.

Genres: Nonfiction

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Rainbolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

So part of the reason that I loved this book, was it brought back so many happy memories -- like Lyle Hatcher, I attended Linwood Elementary school, and remember learning to square dance from Mrs. Maxfield (I had no idea she was a dance fraud!!). I was also fortunate enough to attend pre-school and kindergarten at the Dahlke school and take swimming lessons from the family, and remember being fascinated with their menagerie (although always thankful when the snake wasn't hungry).

But more than the trip down memory lane, this was just a sweet story about 2 completely different boys and the amazing friendship they shared, and the lessons they learned from each other. It was touching, funny and bittersweet, and a wonderful read.

[Jeanne Modisett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having raised a son with ADHD, I can really identify with this book. I’ve held him when his heart was absolutely racing. He did so many things that were dangerous and had no fear. Reading this book has helped me to understand even greater of what he felt, and went through. I also identify with the fact that when Lyle was put on medication, his personality changed. That happened to us as well and I did not like it. Thankfully, treatment is more advanced today. They were able to change medication that allowed his personality to shine through. And like Lyle, he is successful in life. I absolutely loved this book and recommend it to anyone who has ADHD or has a child that has it.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet story of two boys, one with ADHD (before that was a diagnosis) and the other with Muscular Dystrophy. The two become unlikely friends and teach each other to "run." It is based on a true story.

[Dean Loree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!!! My cousin and I both were in Mrs. Dahlke's pre-school, in the basement of her home in 1974. This book brought back many wonderful memories for me. The first and only snake I have ever held Gypsy, swimming lessons in the dahlke pool and the group I was in was, the purple teddy bears of dahlke school. I can still remember the teddy bear song. teddy bear teddy bear turn around, teddy bear teddy bear touch the ground. teddy bear teddy bear turn off the light. teddy bear teddy bear say goodnight. oh the memories... Every place they talked about in this book I could see in my head, having been to these places several times ie the fish hatchery , Linwood school and this was the North side where I grew up... thank you for this amazing story of a truly wonderful family and city that was my childhood.....Loree Johnson Marley

[Kacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick, wonderful book. It is based on truth and happened here in Spokane on the northside. I guess I liked the local feel and that I recognized places they talked about. Loved Lyle and David and it was wonderful to get a little peek into what life is like for a "hyperactive" child and a child with MD. I would love to know how much it was "beefed up" for the book and how much is true.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Sweet and infectious, this mostly true story was fun to read. The main character is this fun, smart ADHD kid who sounds a lot like a boy I have living at my house. Wonderful message of friendship and big ideas and letting people be who they are. It would be a wonderful family read aloud.

[Patrick Schultheis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story. I have a number of personal connections to the book - I grew up on Five Mile (the boys in the story were a few years older than me), my sister attended Mrs Dahlke's kindergarten and I worked at Linwood Park for a high school job (county park department). These made the simple tale resonate with me

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did NOT want this book to end! This book is such an inspiration and I too living with Muscular Dystrophy, can relate, but am also so inspired in the way I can live my life! Especially, after loosing my sister who also had MD. There were so many resemblances between David and my little sister, it is unbelievable! I give this book an infinite amount of stars!

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bittersweet, true story of a young boy with muscular dystrophy and his hyper-active friend. Takes place in Spokane in the mid-60's. The boy with muscular dystrophy dies and the the other boy writes the book as an adult with the help of a co-author. A movie was made based on the story a few years ago, and our grandsons were extras.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a true story based in Spokane, Washington. The setting is mid-century America, where small town values still exist, television is new, and children still play outside. The main character is a boy who comes to believe miracles are possible and his impact on the community around him. I found it to be a heartwarming story.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. I was in Mrs. Dahlke's first preschool class and my brothers, sister and I all took swimming lessons from Dena, Dennis and Ella Kay. The Dahlke family has given my family great support and love over all these years. Looking forward to the movie adaptation!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treasure of a story about two unlikely friends, a boy in a wheelchair with muscular dystrophy and a boy with hyperactive tendencies. An uplifting read-but be prepared for tears as well. Lyle's character reminded me of my sweet younger brother Kelly when he was little. I'll be buying this one.

[Bj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story. Good characters.

[Staci Seliger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story. A beautiful example of true friendship.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Local interest, have met the mother of David. Good portrayal of attitudes of the time.