In the Time of the Drums

By Kim L. Siegelson, Brian Pinkney (Illustrator)

A drumbeat calls for freedom, forcing a choice between home and heritage.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 147 ratings

32 pages· 1,915 words· Est. 22 min read

$11.95Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In a Gullah folk tale, young Mentu learns the power of drums from his grandmother, Twi, who longs for her African homeland. When a ship's drumbeat echoes across Teakettle Creek, it stirs a call for freedom. Twi faces a heart-wrenching decision: follow the drum's call to freedom or stay on the island Mentu calls home. As the beat grows louder, the stakes rise, and Twi must choose between the past and the future. Will the rhythm of rebellion lead to liberation or loss?

From the publisher

Mentu, an enslaved child, learns about the culture of his people from his grandmother, Twi in this Gullah folk tale of an insurrection at Teakettle Creek.It used to be that huge ships often landed near Teakettle Creek bringing African people to work on the island’s plantations. Some of the Africans who live on the island made goatskin drums and play music to remind themselves of home. Young Mentu was island born, but grandmother Twi had come from Africa, and she longs for home. Thanks to Twi, Mentu learns to play the drums and to respect the strength of the music. One day a new ship carrying Africans docked at Teakettle Creek sends out the beat of drums–a roar from the Africans inside the ship who are pounding for their homeland. The beat calls to Twi, urging her to seek freedom. But the only place for freedom is in the murky waters of Teakettle Creek. Now Grandmother Twi must choose between the drum’s lure and the island that young Mentu calls home. The recipient of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award in 2000, this spellbinding story is now back in print. In the Time of the Drums is an extraordinary Gullah tale of mysticism, intrigue, strength, and courage that will leave readers of all ages spellbound.