
R.J. thought that war would be the ultimate adventure--until he was in the middle of it. In 1862, thirteen-year-old Ransom J. Powell lies about his age and joins the Union Army as a drummer boy. At first, he is thrilled to be defending his country, but by the time he has...


Set in 1864, this work is based on the life of 15-year-old Union drummer boy Ransom J. Powell who was imprisoned at Andersonville, the notorious Confederate prison located at Camp Sumter.



In 1862 Maryland, 13-year-old Ransom Powell watches his friends argue, then march off to war. Some put on gray uniforms, others wear blue. He is too young to fight, but when he hears a Union division in Virginia needs a drummer, he runs away from home and lies about his age...