Mr. Lincoln's drummer
Scholastic 1995
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- courage
- duty
- perseverance
- patriotism
- coming of age
- family
- honor
- survival
About this book
Based on the true story of Willie Johnston, an 11-year-old Union Army drummer boy, this novel follows his march into the Civil War and the courage it takes to do a grown-up’s job in a very dangerous time. Readers experience camp life, battles, and the bonds of soldiers through Willie's eyes, with rich historical detail that feels immediate and real. The writing is accessible for middle-grade readers while still offering depth and adventure. Kids who enjoy history and brave, relatable heroes are drawn to Willie’s grit and heart.
Setting: Union Army camps and Civil War battlefields, American Civil War (1861–1865)
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mr. Lincoln's drummer right for my child?
Yes — Mr. Lincoln's drummer is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.9, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include courage, duty, perseverance.
How long does it take to read Mr. Lincoln's drummer?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Mr. Lincoln's drummer takes around 4.9h to finish. The book has 44,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Mr. Lincoln's drummer have an AR quiz?
Yes — Mr. Lincoln's drummer has an AR quiz available, worth 5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Mr. Lincoln's drummer?
Mr. Lincoln's drummer has an AR reading level of 4.9, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.