In the Newbery Award-winning novel Across Five Aprils, author Irene Hunt takes readers on an emotional journey through one boy’s remarkable coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. The tale revolves around Jethro Creighton, a brave and thoughtful boy whose world is turned upside down as the nation embraces conflict in 1861.
At just nine years old, Jethro finds himself amidst a shifting landscape of loyalty and discord. His brothers, Tom and Eb, are of fighting age, and as the war efforts begin to escalate, the Creighton family faces an upheaval of their relationships and convictions. Each family member grapples with the harsh realities of war, testing their values and the bonds that hold them together.
Hunt draws on family records and the personal stories shared by her grandfather to weave a rich narrative that brings both characters and historical events to life. Jethro’s experiences reflect not only the trials faced by those living in a nation torn apart but also the enduring strength of family. Struggling with the weight of his circumstances, Jethro learns valuable life lessons about courage, sacrifice, and the power of love, making his journey profoundly relatable.
“Drawing from family records and from stories told by her grandfather, the author has, in an uncommonly fine narrative, created living characters and vividly reconstructed a crucial period of history.” — Booklist
Join Jethro on his path to maturity and discover how the trials of war shape the spirit and heart of a young boy in Across Five Aprils, a timeless story of growth, resilience, and hope.
