Li'l Dan, the Drummer Boy: A Civil War Story

by Romare Bearden, Maya Angelou (Read by), Henry Louis Gates Jr. (Foreword)

A brave drummer boy marches along with Union soldiers in this powerful picture book.

Li’l Dan, an enslaved boy on a Southern plantation, loves to play his drum. When a company of Union soldiers announce that the slaves have been set free, Dan has no place to go, so he follows the soldiers, who make him their mascot. But Confederate soldiers attack, and Dan discovers that he is the only one who can save his friends.

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Historical, Civil War, African American, Childrens, War

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

From the African American community and street life of city of New York, painter and collagist Romare Howard Bearden often drew subjects.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romare_...

Reviews

[L- Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audio version of this civil war story is read by Maya Angelou, in her calm and soothing cadence. The story gives voice to a young boy who learns to play a drum he creates himself, with the encouragement of Mr. Ned, a slave from a southern plantation. Li’l Dan imitates on the drum the sounds he hears around him which include the people around him singing, melodies of birds and the startling thunder burst .

Li’l Dan becomes part of Company E after the Union army informs him that the war is over and all slaves are free. He joins the soldiers of Company E and becomes a hero, using his drumming to warn the Union troop of a potential attach by the Confederates.

I found Maya Angelou’s audio of the story very nice but believe it should be used as a companion with the book. This is artist Romare Bearden’s only children’s picture book and the illustrations are a creative example of his mixed media art. This book could be used from 1st through 6th grades, with rich civil war discussions.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romare Bearden is my favorite artist. This book was marketed to me as a book written and illustrated by Romare Bearden and so I was expecting his signature art which is magnificent collage. Unfortunately the art is just IMO average book illustration. For that reason I was very disappointed in the book although I love the cover.

I will say however that the story is very good as a children's story. It is about the Civil War and is told from a Yankee perspective. But I did not find the language or the presentation of the Rebels offensive. My family and I have been born and raised in the South for generations prior to the Civil War. So for me to say that the book was not insulting to the South is a Southerner's perspective.

In the story, the young boy who is the main character shows initiative, creativity, and problem-solving skills. But there's no magical thinking in this. Every thing the boy did was some thing that might actually have happened. I love children's books that show that kids can do significant things in the real world.

[Cathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations in Li'l Dan are as dramatic and inspirational as the tale itself. Strongly delineated outlines are boldly colored in deep jewel tones, and the richness of the story is complemented beautifully. Both strength and pride are evidenced in the narrative of a little boy who is freed from slavery and who then follows the Union soldiers on their campaign. The powerful combination of expressive dialogue and vivid illustrations captures the heroism of not only one brave boy but also all whom he represents.

[Ellice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is apparently the only picture book with images and text by artist Romare Bearden--but I'm really glad it exists. Bearden's illustrations are, of course, outstanding, and the text about a young boy named Li'l Dan who becomes drummer boy to a Black Northern regiment during the Civil War is inspirational.

[Jeimy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is good, but the illustrations and the foreword by Henry Louis Gates Jr. are outstanding.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this one, read by Maya Angelou. The drumbeat, like the heart, the center of you.

[Janna]

The cover of this book uses straight jagged lines which portrays tension and hardness. The end pages are drawn in marker and show soldiers in war. This sets up the plot; it tells us that the story will be about a war. The media is described as using mixed media. It looks like a combination of black marker and watercolors. The pictures are in an impressionistic style. They look like they could be made by a child. I think this is intentional because the story is based on a little boy and the pictures want to portray that the story is coming from Dan’s perspective.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Civil War story told from the perspective of a slave boy. It not only tells of war and freedom but also drum making and playing, and how one little person can make a big difference.

I love the vivid use of color in child-like but carefully crafted illustrations

I listened to the CD accompanying the book and felt Maya Angelou's booming voice was a perfect companion to the tale.

(By the way, the end reminds me of the recent movie "Drumline" and the amazing southern drum corps.)

[Kasmarine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An orphan slave boy who learned to play the drum and saved the day. A child-friendly literature on African-American slavery and civil war.
Li'l Dan will guide his audiences through the slavery life at the plantation, the bivouac area, the civil war battles, and the final victory.
The watercolor illustrations will give place to great imagination.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is very inspiring and heartwarming. I enjoyed it. The illustrations are not really my cup of tea, but the bold colors mirror the courage of the Li'l Dan. A great way to introduce unknown aspects of the Civil War.

[Cece · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young students will enjoy reading this book. Dan learns to play the drums. Even though the slave are set free, Dan follows the Union soldier. He plays the drums for the soldiers at camp. He helps his friends when he notices the Confederates coming to attack.

[Carolynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio book beautifully read by Maya Angelou.