The Drummer Boy: A Christmas Tale

I read about half of this book to my 6th grade Sunday school class in 20 minutes and from cover to cover in about 40 minutes with my family. It's well-written and affords many teachable moments. Most, if not all of my students didn't realize that what's the book speaks of--a truly Christ-less Christmas--is already starting to happen now (a certain members-only wholesale store comes to mind). So the book can be useful to demonstate what a Christ-less Christmas might look like in the future if we keep going in the direction we're headed. The inspiring part is how one ordinary boy with a physical handicap turned an entire town on its head and helped reintroduce them all to the true meaning behind Christmas. As the Scripture says, God uses the foolish things to confound the wise, and that point is made clear in this book. It's great for demonstrating to kids (even if a work of fiction) that one child *can* make a difference. The only reason I don't give this book a full five stars: the drum exhibits mystical/magical qualities (like floating across a room, and demonstrating an almost Houdini-like ability to find its way out of a locked armoire). This little twist feels very out of place and makes an otherwise believable and heartwarming tale a little...odd.

Although this is a children's book that will take most adults only minutes to read, THE DRUMMER BOY has a lot to offer. As the title suggests (and the smaller print states), this is a Christmas tale. It takes place in a not-too-distant future America, where Christmas has been outlawed and replaced by the Holiday. Daniel, a young boy who has never heard of Christmas, finds an old drum with a poem and a story inside. What follows will touch the hearts of Christian readers and gently prod our consciences, reminding us that each one of us has a part to play and the only qualification is willingness. This book is an excellent choice for Christmas morning reading, when the family is gathered together around the fireplace and you want that one small reminder about the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

Is a good story for the very young.

Ted Dekker has taken a timeless story, and brought it up to the possible 21st Century. Set in a world that views the Christmas story as nothing more than a dangerous myth, one small child dares to make a stand. It was an inspirational read, and you will love it. Great for Christmas or any other time of year.

Everyone here liked this book. You can't help but realize it could really happen if political correctness has it's way-an eye opener.