Civil War Children’s Book
Article interviewing the author about my most recent children’s book:
https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/life/prolific-author-branches-into-children-s-books-with-i-was/article_7256bd50-eebd-5ee9-b3ae-b9b8480ae825.html
Prolific author branches into children's books with 'I was a Drummer Boy in the American Civil War'
Author Bob O’Connor has written his first children’s book, “I was a Drummer Boy in the American Civil War.
City in which you reside: Charles Town, W.Va.
Day job: I am retired and a full-time author
Book title: “I was a Drummer Boy in the American Civil War”
Genre: Children’s historical fiction
Synopsis: The book speaks to the significance of the job of the drummer boy in the Civil War. It follows a real boy with the dates lining up to the actual diaries and regimental records of the troops.
Website: www.boboconnorbooks.com
Facebook: Bob O’Connor Books LLC
We have come to know you for your historical books and historical fiction that is geared toward an adult reading level. What inspired your first children’s book?
Often adults are looking for books for their children who are too young to read my other books. This provides them with another option.
How much research did it take to find out about James Minnihan, the little drummer boy who inspired this book?
Virtually none. He was the nephew of my great uncle, Michael Minnihan.
Tell me about your illustrator. How did you work putting together the book?
I found my illustrator Sheena Hisiro through her father whom I met at a Civil War reenactment. He gave me her card and told me that if I ever needed an illustrator, to check her out. I did. I found she had illustrated 35 children’s books. Her website showed her excellent work.
Because this book is written for children, did you have to learn to write in a different way for the younger level compared to your other novels?<&first>
Obviously, the writing had to be toned down to a much lower level.
Why was it important to you to write a children’s book?
Children need to know the stories too. Too little history is being taught in the schools.
Has this inspired you to write more in the same genre?
Yes. I am working now on a book about a blind boy who helped save the Union. My grandson, Kyle, who attends Maryland School for the Blind, is the lead character. The story has him overhearing a plot to send blankets with small pox germs to try to kill President Lincoln and helping foil the plan. The plot actually happened but was unsuccessful.
What do you hope young readers will learn from your book?
That the young drummer boy had a very important job. During a battle, the noise was so loud the soldiers could not hear the commands of their officers. The drummer boy had to stand next to the commanding officer and pounded out the orders on his drum.
Where can readers purchase your book?
Four Seasons, Shepherdstown; Patterson’s Drug Store, Martinsburg; Amazon.com; and at my website www.bob oconnorbooks.com.
— by Crystal Schelle, Lifestyle editor
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