In 1861, and although Mike Kelly is far younger than the legal age of sixteen, he dreams of fighting with the Union Army. Mike and his best friend,...
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reviews
Sep 02, 2009
Candace
rated it: 
A Dangerous Promise by Joan Lowery Nixon, continues the story of Michael Kelly. Michael was a member of the Orphan Train sent west from New York City with his 3 sisters and 2 brothers by their mother.
Mike was first adopted by some terrible people, but eventually he left that place and was taken in by Captain Joshua Taylor and his wife, Louisa. Mike lives in Ft Leavenworth, KS and when the Union Army needs soldiers, Mike decides (along with his good friend, Todd), that he's going to More...
Mike was first adopted by some terrible people, but eventually he left that place and was taken in by Captain Joshua Taylor and his wife, Louisa. Mike lives in Ft Leavenworth, KS and when the Union Army needs soldiers, Mike decides (along with his good friend, Todd), that he's going to More...
Aug 05, 2011
Gabriel
rated it: 
This is a great book I remember reading when I was a young boy. For years I forgot what it was called, but thanks to the power of Google and Goodreads I have finally found it after at least nine years. Just thinking of this book makes me recall fond memories of my childhood, sitting in the children's fiction section of the library, immersing myself in the pages of the books that shaped me into the person I am today. This is one of them--the first book that really introduced me to the utter insan
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Nov 28, 2010
Virginia
rated it:
I love this series, but I especially liked this book because at the time I read it, I was on a Civil War kick. The story does have some heart wrenching scenes, but considering the setting, it would come across as rather fake if it didn't.
Mar 28, 2010
Tracy
rated it:
Fast paced, intricate look at life as a Civil War soldier. Mike Kelly, almost 13, runs away with his friend Todd in order to become a drummer boy. Throughout the book, Mike grows from a naive boy to a seasoned soldier as he tries to keep his promise to his fallen friend.
It is still a good read focusing on the horrors of war both on and off the battlefield.
It is still a good read focusing on the horrors of war both on and off the battlefield.
Sep 22, 2009
Jennifer
rated it:
War's never fun, and the boy in this book learns that the hard way, during the very harsh American civil war. At the beginning, he's thinking "adventure" and how he can help. He learns soon enough how wrong he is, and ages beyond his years to deal with it all. Many lessons in the book can also apply to today. The book left me wanting more at the end, which slightly surprised me, given the morose (war) material.
Oct 28, 2009
Christina
rated it:
This one was a little lacking in plot. I did like the civil War history in it though. Not my favorite one of the series.
Sep 01, 2008
Duane
rated it:
The saga continues for Mike who is a past Orphan Train child. Mike wants to join the Union Army as a drummer and soon finds that all those dreams of fighting aren't anything like the reality of battle. Mike learns the glamour of battle isn't anything like the honesty of it. A great read for Civil War buffs.
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