Name: Molly, the Drummer Boy: A Story of the Revolution by Harriet T. Comstock
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4 (7 reviews)
Author: Comstock, Harriet T. (Harriet Theresa), 1860-1943

Featured

Molly, the Drummer Boy: A Story of the Revolution by Harriet T. Comstock

(7 User reviews) 880

By Karen Baker Posted on Mar 30, 2026

In Category - Branding

Authors: Comstock, Harriet T. (Harriet Theresa), 1860-1943 Published By : Comstock, Harriet T. (Harriet Theresa), 1860-1943

Book Language: English

Okay, I need to tell you about this little book I just read called 'Molly, the Drummer Boy.' First off, the title's a trick. Molly isn't a boy at all—she's a girl, a young teenager, living in New York during the American Revolution. When her patriot father is captured by the British, she does the most daring, desperate thing she can think of: she cuts her hair, puts on her brother's old clothes, and joins the Continental Army as a drummer boy to try and find him. Can you imagine? The whole story is this incredible, nerve-wracking game of disguise. Every day, she has to keep up the act, marching and drumming alongside soldiers who have no idea who she really is, all while secretly searching for any clue about her father. It's a story about family, bravery, and the crazy lengths we'll go to for the people we love, set against the gritty backdrop of a war for independence. It's surprisingly tense and heartfelt—definitely more than just a simple history lesson.

File: Molly, the Drummer Boy: A Story of the Revolution by Harriet T. Comstock

Harriet T. Comstock's Molly, the Drummer Boy is one of those historical adventures that pulls you right in. It’s not a dry recounting of battles and dates; it’s a personal, ground-level view of the American Revolution through the eyes of someone who shouldn’t have been there.

The Story

The plot is straightforward but packed with suspense. Molly Hayes is a patriotic girl whose father is taken prisoner by British forces. Left with no good options and burning with determination, she makes a radical choice. Disguising herself as a boy, she enlists as a drummer in the Continental Army. Her mission is dual: serve her country and, secretly, find and rescue her father. The heart of the book is Molly's daily life in the ranks. We follow her as she learns the drills, bonds with her fellow soldiers (who see only 'Matthew,' the new drummer boy), and navigates the constant fear of her disguise being discovered. Every interaction is fraught with risk, and every campaign brings her closer to both danger and her goal.

Why You Should Read It

What makes this book special is Molly herself. She’s not a superhero. She’s scared, she gets tired, and the ruse is a huge burden. Her courage feels real because it’s mixed with so much vulnerability. Comstock does a great job showing the Revolution not as a grand, polished event, but as a hard, muddy, and often confusing experience for the people living through it. The theme of identity is powerful—Molly literally creates a new one to survive and to fight for her family. It makes you think about all the untold stories, especially of women and young people, woven into the history we think we know.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for anyone who likes historical fiction with a strong, relatable protagonist. It’s great for younger readers looking for an exciting adventure, but adults will appreciate the historical context and emotional depth, too. If you enjoy stories about resilience, clever characters in tight spots, or just a fresh perspective on a familiar period, Molly, the Drummer Boy is a quick, satisfying, and memorable read.