The Drummer Boy's Battle: Florence Nightingale by Dave and Neta Jackson

Stand alone novel

Summary: 

After their father dies, Robbie Robinson and his older brother, Peter, join the British army in order to make a living for their family. At first, army life is exciting, even fun. Then in 1854, they are sent to Russia to fight in the Crimean War—Peter as a member of the famous Light Horse Brigade and twelve-year-old Robbie as a drummer boy. But the brothers are separated during the doomed charge of the Light Brigade, and Robbie fears for Peter’s life.

An injury to his left hand brings Robbie to Barracks Hospital in Scutari, Turkey, where he hopes to find Peter. Instead he meets Florence Nightingale, a nurse working hard to change for the better the way nurses do their jobs. Robbie becomes Florence’s "right-hand man," running errands, delivering messages, and reporting alarming hospital conditions to her. But the doctors and officers running the hospital want to put a stop to Florence’s improvements. Will Robbie and his friend find a way to succeed in spite of the challenges?

Soldiers are dying all around him, and only Florence Nightingale can help save them!

Opening Lines: 

Robbie knew something was wrong when he saw his older sister, Margo, sitting on the stoop in the twilight holding baby Mae, her face streaked with tears. Sissy and Tommy, who were five and seven, crowded close to her skirts. 

"Is it...Papa?" Robbie asked, his mouth dry.