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

LI'L DAN, THE DRUMMER BOY is a story about a young boy who uses his special talents to save a company of Union soldiers. Dan learned to play the drum as a result of a lot of perseverance and lessons from a slave who lived on the same plantation. One day, he runs into a group of Union soldiers who explain that he and all other slaves are now free. Later, when the company runs into some Confederate soldiers, Dan uses quick thinking and his drum to try and save the day. LI'L DAN, THE DRUMMER BOY is not just a pleasant and educational children's book, but also an important addition to African-American literary history. The book is the only children's book written and illustrated by the renowned artist, Romare Bearden. The illustrations in the book reflect his trademark artistic style, and as a result, the book not only sheds light on the Civil War era but is an excellent introduction to an important African-American artist. The book also includes an audio CD which features Maya Angelou reading the story aloud. While her performance is not breathtaking, it does allow children to either read along or follow along with the illustrations as she reads. Overall, this is a wonderfully packaged piece of children's literature. Reviewed by Stacey Seay of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

My 7 year old daughter wants to be both a drummer, like her father and an artist like her aunt. Her two favorite books this year are Lil Dan and DRUM, CHAVI, DRUM! This book is about a slave who learns to make and play drum sounds and when he is freed, through his drumming, he saves others. DRUM, CHAVI, DRUM! is about a little Cuban barrio working-class girl who is not allowed to play Conga drums becasue she is a girl. She and her best friend sneak to the largest Latino festival in the United States: Little Havana Calle Ocho Festival and she finds a way to show everyone that she was born to be a drummer. Both tales moved my daughter (and me). If you have a creative child that loves art and music, these are the two books to get not only for their inspiring tales, but also for the lively writing and the beautiful illustrations.