Drummer Boy At Bull Run

Bonnets and Bugles #1

by Gilbert Morris

Jeff Majors and Leah Carter share a sorrowful goodbye as the Civil War brings a heartbreaking separation of friends. Despite being on opposite sides of the War, Jeff and Leah vow to stay friends forever and see each other through battle after battle, both on the field and off.

"Drummer Boy at Bull Run" is the first of a ten book series, that tells the story of two close families find themselves on different sides of the Civil War after the fall of Fort Sumter in April 1861. Thirteen year old Leah becomes a helper in the Union army with her father, who hopes to distribute Bibles to the troops. Fourteen year old Jeff becomes a drummer boy in the Confederate Army and struggles with faith while experiencing personal hardship and tragedy. The series follows Leah, Jeff, family, and friends, as they experience hope and God's grace through four years of war.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Young Adult, Fiction, Historical, Christian, Childrens

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 9, 1995

About the author

also published under the name Gilbert L. Morris

Gilbert Morris was one of today's best-known Christian novelists. He lived in Gulf Shores, Alabama, with his wife, Johnnie. He is the father to Lynn Morris and Alan Morris

Series:
* Adventures of Kerrigan Kids
* American Century
* Appomattox Saga
* Barney Buck
* Bonnets and Bugles
* Cheney Duvall, M.D. (with Lynn Morris)
* Cheney and Shiloh: The Inheritance (with Lynn Morris)
* Chronicles of the Golden Frontier
* The Creole (with Lynn Morris)
* Danielle Ross Mystery
* Daystar Voyages
* Dixie Morris Animal Adventures
* Far Fields (with Robert Funderburk)
* House of Winslow
* Jacques and Cleo: Cat Detectives
* Katy Steele Adventures (with Alan Morris)
* Lady Trent Mystery
* Liberty Bell
* Lions of Judah
* Lone Star Legacy
* Omega (with Lynn Morris and Alan Morris)
* The Price of Liberty (with Robert Funderburk)
* Reno Western Saga
* Seven Sleepers
* Seven Sleepers: The Lost Chronicles
* Singing River
* Spirit of Appalachia (with Aaron McCarver)
* Too Smart Jones
*

Reviews

[Heather Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if this is upper middle grade or young YA, but either way, it's not a genre I review often anymore. I loved these as a teen and wanted to reread. I don't have any problem with the story. It's written in the old style with multiple POVs in a scene. There's a lot of history in it, which I think is cool. And a strong faith message. I feel comfortable letting my kids read these, which was the main thing I wanted to double check. There is romance, but I'm a romantic so I'm not against that.

[Ellie Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still loved this book! I read it multiple times several years ago, but it's been more than five years since I last picked it up and I was worried that I'd outgrow it. Turns out those fears were fruitless. Leah's still my favorite, but I love both Jeff and Leah and their dynamic. They really remind me(and have always reminded me) of me and my childhood best friend, which is kinda bittersweet now. But I still love that. And I can't wait to rediscover the rest of the series! It had really great faith elements and historical elements. The writing style wasn't quite what it could be but I guess it worked. Overall a great read I found in our church library. I'd recommend it for ages 7 and up!

[Morgan's Endless Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this series as a kid, and I'm glad to say that it's still great as an adult! Leah and Jeff's relationship is so great, and Morris really captures the reality of war and just how tragic it is, particularly the Civil War. I think he also does a good job presenting both sides as having good points (though he of course doesn't condone slavery).

[Kristen Gebbia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Run of the mill Christian middle grade historical fiction. My ten year old daughter loves this series and asked me to read it so we could share conversations about the books. She would probably give these books a higher rating than I am. Compared to other middle grade novels like Charlottes Web or the Little House series, I find the writing style a tiny bit flat. The author isn’t super descriptive, so it doesn’t feel like an immersive story. I do appreciate the historical accuracy, as well as perspectives of a character on the Union side and one on the Confederate side. And I’m told that the first book isn’t as good as the others, so perhaps it will get better.

[Jasmine (Jazzie) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd say this is a pretty good start to the series. The Civil War was a trying time for everyone, more so for all of the family and friends who found themselves on opposing sides. Leah Carter and Jeff Majors were a set of those friends.

A couple of years ago, when I last year this book, I would have rated it 5 stars, and as y'all can see, it didn't change, and for good reason. I still found the characters enjoyable and the story intriguing so far. I saw so many things that I had missed last time or forgotten about. Like, now I really want to know what happened between Leah and Walter Beddows, but I didn't even give it a second thought last time...

But now I'm off to go start the second book!

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful start to the Bonnets and Bugles series, this book surprised me in being one of the best Civil War genre stories I’ve ever read. It’s a genre I don’t typically enjoy, but I’m glad to discover a gem in this one.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kinda expected more out of this. The writing is what threw me off. But I guess I liked the characters. Overall, it was nice and I’m eager to get more answers and see what happens in the rest of the series!

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

for the most part really good. Sometimes i think the change in the charecter of focus was not as defined as it should be. the immagery is wonderful. i love the portrayl of the events. the accuracy while not 100% is closer than some civil war fiction i have read.

[Warrior Queen · Rating 5 out of 5]

❌❗ WARNING: ( NOT) MAJOR SPOILER!!!‼‼‼‼‼‼‼‼
Hey!!! So,I just started this series...and I was so surprised at how amazing it is!!! When I saw the front cover if book, I was immediately like... well they r gonna get married... Lol😸😹😺 when the friends were on different sides of war , I legit almost cried.😿 the will u hate me when there's war thing def got me though. I also got so sad when ira and Leah started dating!!! But I'm hoping something will happen soon!!!Also I'm only 12!!! Only on first now 2 book and loving it!!!

[Grace · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was so boring, predictable, and unoriginal. And the writing wasn't good. If you're looking for a good kids' series set during the Civil War, skip this and try Freedom Seekers by Lois Walfrid Johnson or Between Two Flags by Lee Roddy. Much better kids' books by Gilbert Morris are Journey to Freedom and the Seven Sleepers series.

[Katrina Lybbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story. I hadn't read a Civil War book for a long while. It was sad to see friends and neighbours on opposite sides but I am sure it happened a lot. This is a series so the story will continue.

[Daniel Gaul · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at the beginning of the US Civil War through the eyes of teenage participants (in the roles of civilian, drummer and sutler as well as soldier). I am glad to be rediscovering this delightful series by one of my favorite Christian authors!

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an exciting historical fiction book for all ages. I recommend it for everyone ages 11+.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not gona write an individual review for each of these books, just this one for the whole Bonnets and Bugles series. (I read these books awhile back, so I probably couldn't remember enough to do that anyway)! I do know they were a very good, Christian series. :)
The series is set in the time of the Civil War and tells the stories of young Jeff and Leah, who grow up throughout the books. Their families are friends, but they each side as opposites in the war.
The Bonnets and Bugles Series is full of adventure, and what it was like in the Civil War days. They are totally worth reading, and I think I'll read them again sometime if I get the chance.
I recommend them to: anyone who likes historical Christian adventures.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming story of the events of the Civil War from a Christian youth perspective. Neighbors being torn apart when one family fights for one side and the other fights for the other yet they reach toward each other in their time of need, and ask God to oversee the events of their lives. Refreshing way to look at the events of war.

It did take me a little while to read it, not because the book wasn't interesting, but because my life got busy right after I started it.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drummer Boy at Bull Run was a really sweet story and swept me away from the very beginning! The Civil War has always been one of my favorite time periods, and Gilbert Morris did a great job bringing the history to life! I think I would have enjoyed it more when I was younger because of how young characters are at this point. However, they'll get older as the series goes on so I'm expecting to love the rest of it! :)

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received Drummer Boy at Bull Run through the Goodreads First Reads program.

It was a great story and the author did a great job showing both sides of the Civil War, and the choices that families and friends had to make during the war.

I really enjoyed this book,it was an easy read, it would be a great book for young adults that are interested in the Civil War.

[Noelle Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice book about the American Civil War. It tells the story of what life was like during that time and what it was like to be in the army from the perspective of two youngsters. I enjoyed reading it and I think it's worth reading.

[The Third Place A Teen Library]

F MOR bab bk.1

[Rebecca Rash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Civil War Era, and these were some of my first fictional books from that time. Pretty good, decent enough for young folk - just a little childish romance at first.

[Linda head · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children's book. Great for giving background of Civil War.

[Sandybear76]

KY. this book was in the adult fiction area but I think it really belongs in the juvenile fiction area.