Book Review: The Drummer's Call by Patricia Leppo

Reviewed for Readers' Favorite

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Drummer’s Call by Patricia Leppo follows fourteen-year-old Josh through an extraordinary adventure that will thrust the reader into the Civil War era. When Josh visits his family’s inn in Tennessee, he hears a story that rings true about a boy named Toby and his untimely death many years before. Josh, attempting to save who he believes is the ghost of Toby from this tragic death, finds himself launched backward through time, into the Civil War era. From there, the two boys bond, meet people on their way to the war, face some obstacles and unkind soldiers, and then decide to become Drummer Boys for the war effort. Josh and Toby become friends with many of the soldiers, assist with daily chores, and witness the death and tragedy of the Civil War. 

There is so much to praise about The Drummer’s Call. The friendship between Josh and Toby is touching, and their bond breaks the barrier between the time periods. They each learn things from each other along the way, and each one is an authentic representation of their particular era in American history. It was interesting to learn about the different types of drumbeats used in combat as well, and that the soldiers depended on these drumbeats and rhythms for their daily tasks and assignments. I truly enjoyed when Josh had to intercept with certain normal practices during the era that would be considered a huge no-no in today’s world, such as germs and contaminates. These little authentic touches by author Patricia Leppo helped bring the reader right into the war and learn a little something while enjoying a good book. I would recommend the book to anyone interested in the Civil War or history, or YA readers who enjoy reading about different time periods.