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