Battle of New Orleans, The: The Drummer's Story [Hardcover]

Freddi Evans (Author), Emile Henriquez (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 31, 2005 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

Many stories have been told about the Battle of New Orleans, but none by the drummer, Jordan Noble, whose rumble summoned Gen. Andrew Jackson's troops to action. "Old Jordan," as he was affectionately known, tells his story to young readers in this rhyming picture storybook.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3–This story in rhyme pits a potpourri of U.S. troops (Cajun, Spanish, German, French, pirates, and Indians) fighting under General Andrew Jackson against the British, who had come by ship in 1812 to take over the city. The tale is told by Old Jordan, who had participated in the conflict, to a young African-American would-be drummer after a parade commemorating the battle. ‘Well, this is a special drum, and I play it a special way./I play it the way I played it on the battlefield that day.' The rhyme scheme is uneven and difficult to read aloud, and, although there is a glossary, there is no explanation of the circumstances of the battle. The realistic illustrations are hampered by a bland format: black print in a boring font, with the pictures centered in the middle of white pages. The varied uniforms of the U.S. troops are interesting and look accurate, but there is no footnote identifying them. This subject in an easy book is welcome, but the execution leaves a little to be desired.–Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
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Review

"...Jordan Noble’s example of the triumph of steady, focused courage may well be a guide for us all." -- --Marigny Dupuy, The Times-Picayune

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing (October 31, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589803000
• ISBN-13: 978-1589803008
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,091,136 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars AND THE BEAT WENT ON, February 2, 2006

By 

Gail Cooke (TX, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Battle of New Orleans, The: The Drummer's Story (Hardcover)

Emile Henriquez's sharply detailed bright colored illustrations and rhyming couplets tell the story of Jordan B. Noble or "Old Jordan" as he was known.

"Old Jordan, Old Jordan,' his name rang in the air.

He was the crowd's favorite; no one could compare."

The crowd refers to the many people who gathered in the 1800s for the January 8th Day parades commemorating the Battle of New Orleans. At that time, those were among the biggest events in New Orleans, and Jordan was beloved by all.

Although he was then an old man he continued to march in the parades beating his drum. Old Jordan had quite a history - he served in four American wars, and as a youth was Andrew Jackson's drummer.

In this tribute to a man and a city's history, a young boy follows Old Jordan in the parade and listens as the drummer recounts his adventures and the importance of a drummer during wartime.

A glossary is included with definitions of terms used in the story, such as `cotton bales' and `dragoons.'

Highly recommended for ages 5 - 8.

- Gail Cooke