Diary of a Drummer Boy

He was only a drummer boy, but Orion Howe’ s courage under fire helped General Sherman break the Rebel hold on Vicksburg.

It is April, 1861, and there is talk of war in the Howes’ Illinois home.

When President Lincoln asks for more soldiers, Orion’s father and brother enlist.

Hating to be left behind, twelve- year-old Orion soon joins them to be a drummer boy in the Union Army.

As the war wears on, Orion bravely endures hunger, sickness, and fatigue, facing battles with nothing but his drum and sticks.

But the biggest test of his courage is yet to come.On May 19, 1863, Orion’s company is pinned down outside Vicksburg under heavy fire.

Colonel Malmborg sends him to request more ammunition.

Suddenly Orion is struck in the leg by enemy fire.

Can he still get to the rear wagons? When he runs into General Sherman, will he remember the message he has been sent to deliver?