This fictional novel is about a young drummer boy from Vermont and his struggle to stay alive while participating in battle during the American Civil War. Tommy Taft learns many a life lesson from those surrounding him as he witnesses the horror of this great and terrible war. Tommy is accompanied by his best friend, Jordan Preavy, also a drummer boy from Vermont. Jordan tries to keep the ever-adventure-seeking Tommy from trouble. The two boys witness a meeting of Free Masons one dark night. They see Confederate and Union soldiers together, and question how these men can call their enemies brothers. What secrets will the boys see? Tommy and Jordan take readers to a place where life and death are a daily struggle. Answering the call of President Abraham Lincoln, the boys view what has become known as the Battle of the Seven Days. They are sent for duty at an army field hospital where they learn to cope with the horrific realm of the operating room, helping surgeons with amputations and other procedures. The boys learn what true courage really is and that there is much more to being a good soldier then just carrying a gun. They learn the value of teamwork and grow in self-confidence. David D. Parent is a native Vermonter and drumming enthusiast who has enjoyed playing drums all his life. He has played in everything from rock bands to the percussion of the Vermont youth orchestra, to presently drumming with the pipes and drums of the Saint Andrews Pipe Band of Vermont. Publisher`s website: http://sbprabooks.com/DavidDParent