Across Five Aprils, Irene Hunt

It is 1861, and the Civil War has begun. The conflict that divides the nation is soon reflected in the opposing loyalties within the Creighton's farming community. Jethro Creighton, too young to enlist, must face the tensions within his family, his community, and his own soul as his brothers choose opposing sides in the war. These tensions, along with his father's health, force Jethro to shoulder adult concerns and responsibilities prematurely.

Related Readings

from Reluctant Witnesses: Children's voices from the Civil War—nonfiction by Emmy E. Werner

"Come Up from the Fields Father" and "An Army Corps on the March"—poems by Walt Whitman

from The Odyssey of Pvt. Rosetta Wakeman, Union Army—magazine article by Eugene L. Meyer

"Tenting on the Old Camp Ground"—song lyrics by Walter Kittridge

from When Heaven and Earth Change Places—memoir by Le Ly Hayslip

"Lament of Ben Hai River"—poem by Nhat Hanh (translated by the author and Helen Coutant)

Study Guide (PDF)