Author: Ted Dekker

ISBN: 1-4041-0299-X

This feel-good piece of fiction is set in our present day but Christmas is outlawed and replaced by what is called The Holiday.  The citizens give and get presents but hold no meaning, except to celebrate the city’s prosperity.

A young boy named Daniel looks up to his father, who plays as a drummer in the City Circus Orchestra.  He wishes he could play as well but he does not own a drum.  Then one day, Daniel is given a special gift from a member of the prop staff while in the auditorium listening to his father practicing for the Holiday celebrations.  This gift was Daniel’s own drum but with this special gift came the story of The Little Drummer Boy and how he made a difference in biblical history.

Daniel had found the words of the drummer boy inscribed on a piece of paper in his new drum and wanted to tell of his tale to everyone.  It was banned in the city to even mention Christmas but Daniel did not know how serious the situation was until he saw his father’s reaction of anger and fear at his mention of it.  The rest of the story goes on to reveal how Daniel tries to get the council at City Hall and the people of the city to listen to him.

The illustrations in The Drummer Boy help the story along and emphasize some of Ted Dekker’s points.  The main character, Daniel, is very brave to try to change something that has been set in place before he was even born.  The author shows us that with a strong enough conviction, one person can start the wheels of change.

This book is different from the usual thrillers of Ted Dekker such as Obsessed and Showdown.  The Drummer Boy is well needed in a society that has turned Christmas into a commercial holiday where gifts play more of a meaning than family gatherings and spiritual awareness.  A city that has adopted the Holiday in order to celebrate the giving and getting of presents should be regarded as somewhat immoral. 

Although Christmas does not hold the same meaning to everyone, with such diverse religions as we have in the world, most will agree this story is expected.  As Ted Dekker says, “Like Daniel, may the truth of Christmas beat in your heart, embolden your spirit, and set you free to give your best to the King.” 

Everyone, regardless of religious beliefs, should read the Drummer Boy because the story tells us about faith, belief and what is truly important.

The above review was contributed by: Jennifer Andrew -Freelance Writer and Reviewer: