Journal Reviews and Expert Reviews
MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW: Although a work of carefully crafted historical fiction, “Boy With a Fife: Ebenezer Fletcher’s War of Independence” by Elizabeth Raum is based on the autobiography of Ebenezer Fletcher, who as a boy participated in the American Revolution and lived to tell about it. A fun and fascinating read from start to finish, “Boy With a Fife” is especially and unreservedly recommended for elementary school, middle school, and community library Historical Fiction collections for young readers ages 9-12. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of “Boy With a Fife” from Chicken Scratch Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
JOHN NETH (Color Guard Commander of the Kings Mountain Chapter , Tennessee Society, Sons of the American Revolution, former chapter President, and presenter on Revolutionary War Soldier, primarily Militia) writes: .“Boy with a Fife is well written and in short chapters which will keep the attention of the young student. The factual items are interlaced with what could have been conversations Eb had with a number of individuals along the way. I would highly recommend this book to any student studying our fight for Independence, especially as we enter the 250th year anniversary of our Declaration of Independence.”
GARY VORWALD (Fife Major, 22nd Regiment of Foot, Brigade of the American Revolution) writes: .“As a historian of military music and the American Revolution, I found this story particularly engaging. I have researched the role of fifers and drummers during this pivotal time in American history and co-authored the book Military Music of the American Revolution (Brigade of the American Revolution, 2007), which features fife and drum music from the period. I am greatly impressed by the attention to detail and the accurate depiction of the role of a fifer. The book is rich in historical facts and is entertaining and educational. In many ways, this book is reminiscent of Johnny Tremain, but Boy With a Fife is based on a true story. Middle-grade readers should be able to identify with Ebenezer as someone close to their age who faced hardships while serving his country during wartime. Through this story, they will gain meaningful insights into aspects of the War for Independence. This work is an outstanding literary accomplishment about the American Revolution for middle grade-readers.”
FARGO (ND) FORUM REVIEW: [Boy With A FIfe] is an exciting tale of heroism, patience, family patriotism, and the harsh realities of war without unnecessary gore or gratuitous violence.
HEIRLOOM BOOK CLUB awarded Boy With A Fife the Adam Award
“An insightful journey through the American Revolution, as moving as it is entertaining.”
Reader Reviews
★★★★★
Revolutionary War Middle-Grade
Boy With a Fife is a great story based on real people and events during the Revolutionary War. It follows events in the life of young Ebenezer (Eb) Fletcher, a real colonist, who experienced the war from it’s early beginnings to the United States gaining independence from Britain. I liked the way Elizabeth Raum balanced Eb’ s patriotism and desire for freedom for his country and his desire for personal freedom and being able to make decisions for himself as he grew. ~ D. Sanders
There was great information about fifers and drummers and their role and importance in the army. So much so that even now the tradition of fifers and drummers is continued present day in the US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corp.There is adventure, hardship, danger, sacrifice, and love of family, friends, and country in this book. Raum also includes excellent documentation, notes, and a timeline.
Rodney Sanders: 5.0 out of 5 stars Great way to learn about the Revolutionary war for kids
Boy With a Fife is a great story based on real people and events during the Revolutionary War. It follows events in the life of young Ebenezer (Eb) Fletcher, a real colonist, who experienced the war from its early beginnings to the United States gaining independence from Britain. I liked the way Elizabeth Raum balanced Eb’ s patriotism and desire for freedom for his country and his desire for personal freedom and being able to make decisions for himself as he grew.
There was great information about fifers and drummers and their role and importance in the army. So much so that even now the tradition of fifers and drummers is continued present day in the US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corp.
There is adventure, hardship, danger, sacrifice, and love of family, friends, and country in this book. Raum also includes excellent documentation, notes, and a timeline.
Kim A. Larson: 5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable and Educational!
This is such a unique story told from the perspective of a young fife player and his role during the Revolutionary War. The authentic voice and details of the story took me back in time. A very enjoyable way to learn history!
S. Pierce: 5.0 out of 5 stars Will make your child want to learn more
This is perfect for children who love Revolutionary War history and those who haven’t yet discovered why it is important to know. Elizabeth has written Ebenezer Fletcher’s story in such a way readers of all ages will keep turning the page.
Angie C.: 5.0 out of 5 stars A Captivating Story Chock Full of Historical Facts
In her novel Boy With A Fife, Elizabeth Raum invites us to tag along with Ebenezer Fletcher, a thirteen year old boy who, more than anything, wants to fight for freedom during the Revolutionary War. He is gifted a fife and hopes to play it as a soldier. But there are setbacks and disappointments and Ebenezer must learn how to cope with each one as he develops a stronger resolve. When he’s finally on the battlefield, young Ebenezer experiences the horrors of war and narrowly escapes death. It’s only through his bravery and fortitude that he survives.
Raum’s incredible use of sensory details allows the reader to hear the booming cannons, feel the burning sensation of a bullet piercing into Ebenezer’s back, and smell the savory aroma of his Gran’s stew.
Kids will be captivated by this brave boy’s story and learn about vital historic events in the process. I couldn’t help but feel gratitude toward the countless young people like Ebenezer who were willing to risk their lives for liberty 250 years ago.
June Dordal: 5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!
Boy With A Fife is a great story about Ebenezer Fletcher, a young man who receives a fife as a gift when he’s eleven. He learns to play all the musical commands that let soldiers know when to march, turn, retreat, etc. as he wants to be ready for when the war comes. The book follows him and his family as they navigate the times before and during the Revolutionary War. Ebenezer’s story is fraught with danger, injuries, and loss of loved ones during this defining time in America’s history. Elizabeth Raum weaves a compelling story that is based in part on the memoir of the real Ebenezer Fletcher. I highly recommend this story to anyone who wants to learn about a part of history we rarely hear about.
Dale: 5.0 out of 5 stars Living History
Elizabeth Raum, author of Boy With A Fife, remembers her youth and uses the memory to bring history alive for her readers. No stuffy narrations, no rattling off of dates and occurrences but rather a nicely structured story that accurately inserts the reader into the daily lives of the 1700’s. The volume is a novel however is also appended with names of the living characters and families mentioned, some famous and not-so-famous, brought into the story of 13 year-old Ebeneezer as easily as we might bring them into family conversations were they alive in our world today: Revere, Allen, Paine, Franklin . . . and an excellent bibliography for future reference if desired. The author is accomplished, able to normalize history, understanding the the details of youth and adult personalities, life, spirit, family, faith and values. She seamlessly illustrates how life then is so similar to ours, the values gripped tightly and structured in a way to entertain and educate youth. If the youth in your life have not experienced Elizabeth Raum, they will be enriched to do so.
