They Shot My Drum
A Civil War Adventure for Young Readers
Based on the true story of Alexander Johnson.
A powerful journey through history.
Likely the first African-American musician to sign up and fight for his country.
Through bullets, mud, danger, and deplorable conditions, can he survive the torment he has been drawn into?
Alexander was likely the first African-American musician to sign up and fight for his country.
You will surely enjoy this exciting Civil War fiction for middle school-aged children. Based on the true story of Alexander Johnson, this real-life adventure will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Along with the brave men of his regiment, he helped pull a train loaded with wounded troops for ten miles over a forty-two-hour period. During his time in combat, his drum is shot six times by enemy fire, and Alexander is shot in the leg.
Born in Massachusetts, Alexander H. Johnson enlisted in the Union Army at age 14. When the 54th Massachusetts (of the movie Glory fame) was formed, he joined as a drummer boy.
The 54th Massachusetts was one of the Union’s first colored regiments, and Alexander was likely the first African-American musician to sign up and fight for his country.
What's Inside
Editorial Reviews
"5.0 out of 5 stars Hard life Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2025 Format: Paperback Good story of civil war from a African American perspective. Easy read good for kids. Just enough info to know how tough life was fighting. But without gruesome details. Liked how it was pointed out that the North also had racial prejudice. Also how important a summer was to the war effort. I know a relative of mine was a drummer in revolutionary war. I never realized the importance. The train story showed exactly how hard life was for these boys and men.those men had determination I think today they would have given up when their hands blistered. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review."
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Some stories are written in history books.
Others are written in the hearts of the brave.