After losing his father in a Civil War battle, Jacob finds his way to his dad's former army camp and begs to join its ranks. Captain Wagner reluctantly gives Jacob a chance to become the unit's new drummer boy. Can Jacob handle the pressure of leading men into battle with the call of the drum?
Hi-Lo: RL 2.2; IL 2–6.
The Code of the Drum is available in paperback (PB) and reinforced library binding (RLB) editions. Perfection Learning, 2000; 54 pages; PB ISBN 0-7891-5310-6; RLB ISBN 0-7807-9654-3.
To order the book, please call 1-800-831-4190, fax 1-712-644-2392, or click
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Note: The publisher also offers Accelerated Reader® software and a Teacher Resource for this title.
The Code of the Drum is the fascinating story of Jacob, who trained hard and became a drummer boy in the Union Army during the American Civil War. With his friends and fellow drummers Hank and Charles, he discovers the camaraderie and horror of war. This lively and engaging “high interest/
low vocabulary” story is backgrounded with an historical accuracy that includes line drawings, historical photos, a listing of Civil War drum calls, and a glossary of Civil War military terms. Also highly recommended is L. L. Owens’s previous Civil War story Brothers at War.
Jacob McCoy has just learned of his father’s death and yearns to continue to fight for the Union cause. Denied permission to do so by his mother, the 12-year-old sneaks off and joins his father’s regiment as a drummer boy. . . . Owens [presents] an adventurous and interesting story. Large print and black-and-white reproductions and drawings on almost every page give the book an open, inviting look. Emerging and struggling readers will enjoy it.
Jacob trained hard for the next week. Hank and Charles taught him all the drum calls. They also gave him a copy of the army's songbook to learn.
When he wasn't practicing calls, Jacob did chores around camp. He carried water and delivered messages. He helped the wounded men. He mended officers' uniforms and served food. He even cut a few men's hair.
It was just before dawn on Sunday. Charles shook Jacob awake. "Test time," Charles said.
"What test?" Jacob asked. He rubbed his eyes.
"The one where we see how much you've learned," said Hank. "Come on. Get your drum and your sticks. You're the drummer boy now. And you've got work to do."
Jacob followed Hank and Charles outside.
"Play reveille," said Hank.
"Aren't you going to play your bugle?" Jacob asked.
"Nope," Hank replied, "it's your turn."
"Let's hear it," said Charles.
Jacob played reveille loud and clear as the sun came up. He watched the camp come to life.
Next, Charles said, "Call them to breakfast." And Jacob did. His drumming was perfect.
Jacob spent the rest of the day issuing official drum calls. He announced an inspection. He called everyone to church, then to lunch. He signaled the start of an officers' meeting. And during a march, his playing told the troops which way to turn—and when.
After supper, Captain Wagner found Jacob. He slapped Jacob on the back and said, "You're doing a good job, son. Keep it up."
Excerpt © 2000 Perfection Learning.
© 2003–2007 L. L. Owens
All rights reserved.
