Book cover of I Am Drums

Book description

“This book is the song of my middle-school heart.” —Michelle Schusterman, author of the I Heart Band! series Sam knows she wants to be a drummer. But she doesn’t know how to afford a drum kit, or why budget cuts end her school’s music program, or why her parents argue…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked I Am Drums as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

If you’ve ever heard drumrolls and rhythms in your head, this story is for you.

Set during a recession, Sam and her family are experiencing hard times. But sixth grader Sam has a dream to play drums, and she’s gutsy enough to lie and mow lawns to pay for lessons and save for her own drum set someday.

Her worries about friends, cuts to the school’s music program, and her parents fighting over money mean that drumming is the only thing that’s saving Sam.

Through sheer determination and lots of practice, this girl who everyone said would never be good…

From Jennifer's list on middle-grade about kids making music.

If you love I Am Drums...

Book cover of Jane Addams: The Most Dangerous Woman in America

Jane Addams by Marlene Targ Brill,

This biography for middle-grade readers and up explains who Jane Addams was and why she caused such a stir worldwide. The story follows Addams' first childhood realization of how poverty limits lives, livelihoods, and health to her becoming one of the most beloved―and disliked―women of her day. She worked to…

Want books like I Am Drums?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 99 books like I Am Drums.

Browse books like I Am Drums

Book cover of Emmy in the Key of Code
Book cover of Blackbird Fly
Book cover of The Sweetest Sound

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,395

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like I Am Drums, you might also like...

Book cover of On the Horizon

On the Horizon by Lois Lowry,

Lois Lowry looks back at history through a personal lens as she draws from her own memories as a child in Hawaii and Japan, as well as from historical research, in this stunning work in verse for young readers.

On the Horizon tells the story of people whose lives were…

Book cover of Fires Burning Underground

Fires Burning Underground by Nancy McCabe,

It’s Anny’s first day of middle school and, after years of being homeschooled, her first day of public school ever. In art, Larissa asks what kind of ESP is her favorite: telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, or telekinesis? Tracy asks how she identifies: gay, straight, bi, asexual, pan, trans, or confused?

And…

5 book lists we think you will like!