Drummer

About the Book

Drummer!! A story of courage and determination set during the American Civil War. A young slave, Johnny Jackson, escapes from a Confederate officer claiming to own him. Late one night Johnny runs away when he learns that a Union infantry unit is camped only five miles north of the rebels. Arriving at the Union camp, Johnny is befriended by a Union major and later by a young white drummer, Jacob Smith. Johnny is allowed to march with the Union Army back to Frederick, Maryland, but is disappointed when he is not allowed to join the white unit as a drummer. The major informs Johnny that a Colored Infantry Unit is being formed at Camp William Penn near Philadelphia, Pennsylavania, and helps him to find transportation to Baltimore. While in Baltimore Johnny has to evade three sailors and a bounty hunter to keep his freedom. He finally stows away on a train to Philadelphia, where he once again escapes the bounty hunter's snare. Johnny is permitted to join the First Pennsylvania Colored Infantry and becomes the drummer for Company A. After being wounded in battle be returns to Baltimore and to a job he never expected.

George C. Richardson lives in Arvada, Colorado with his wife Dinah, an elementary school librarian. George is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.

About the Author

George C. Richardson grew up in Fredericktown, Pennsylvania. He served in the United States Navy for nine years, then attended Edinboro State University, earning a degree in economics and accounting. He has served with the U.S. government as an auditor and currently works as an auditor in Arvada, Colorado.