Across 5 aprils

Across Five Aprils*, a 1964 historical fiction novel by Irene Hunt, follows Jethro Creighton, a nine-year-old boy living on a southern Illinois farm as the Civil War begins in 1861. The title refers to the five years of the war, from the firing on Fort Sumter to the Confederate surrender in 1865. The story explores themes of coming of age, war, personal conviction, and hardship. *characters* Jethro, Shadrach Yale- Teacher, Dave burdow, Bill-Brother, Jenny- sister, marries Shadrach, Guy Wortman- troublemaker, John, Tom-brother, Eb- cousin of Jethro, Mary, Matt- father, Ellen- mother, Mr. Burdow- Helps Jethro, kind but is judged because his son killed Jethro's sister.