Preston Law writes children's book with Civil War theme

Name: Preston Law (aka Tobe Law)

Age: 79


City in which you reside: Hagerstown

Day job: Retired

Book title: "Drummer Boy for the Bonnie Blue"

Genre: Children/adolescents, for ages 9 to 16

Synopsis of book: The Civil War experienced through the eyes of a boy, Thad. His adventures as a drummer boy and the war's impact.

Publisher: White Mane Kids, Shippensburg, Pa.

Price: $12.95



What inspired you to write the book?

The 150th (sesquicentennial) anniversary of the Civil War, with desire to have young students be informed/knowledgeable of the real war.



Why did you want to tell the story with young readers in mind?

To introduce them to the reality rather than the romance of the Civil War while they are young and impressionable.

The foreword was written by Ted Alexander, chief historian at Antietam National Battlefield, and author John W. Schildt wrote the introduction. What did this mean to you?

It is of critical value to me to have had Ted and John read and support my book. It means everything to me.


There are some illustrations throughout the book that you did yourself, why did you want to include a visual element to your book?

Good advice from Ted Alexander. Kids can't visualize on their own, scenes and events from past times. Same with maps. They have no idea where Chancellorsville, Cold Harbor, and other battlefields.


Why did you want to specifically tell the story of those involved in the Confederacy?

Maryland is a border state. Many Marylanders chose the South. Thad was naive and influenced by his introduction to new adventure. The Confederacy has always had a mystique as the rebellious underdog going against City Hall.