Through bullets, mud, danger, and deplorable conditions, can he survive the torment he has been drawn into? 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.
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.
