Reviews

Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt

stacikristine's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

This was an excellent middle grade novel about the Civil War. I feel like it explained some of the hardships of war (and especially the tension of the North vs the South when families were divided) without gruesome details that would be better suited for an older audience. 

kathykeesee's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful informative reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

heidisreads's review against another edition

3.0

I read this in my 8th grade English class and the only thing I could remember about it was the reasoning for the title. After rereading it, the parts that will stick with me are the moments when the family and friends gather around to read letters from loved ones who are far away.

telo's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

1.0

the_gracie_bird's review against another edition

emotional hopeful informative inspiring tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

rheren's review against another edition

5.0

I feel like the kids learned a lot of Civil War history and got a good sense for what it was like to live in a border state (at least, southern Illinois was like a border state in some respects). Some of the issues wrap up rather neatly, but in the end, despite the tough things that have to be dealt with, the book ends on a positive note with hope for the future. It doesn't sugar-coat the brutality and horror of the war, but also helps us identify with people in several different areas of the conflict.

sarahbowling6608's review against another edition

4.0

I have always been a proud "Yankee," but this book really made me think about the Civil War from several different perspectives. My daughter and I had several really good discussions while reading this together. Parts of it were a little slow, but overall it was an excellent read.

CC: war, death, attempted murder/injury, ruffins/vigilantes, heart attack

angelarwatts's review against another edition

5.0

This is the only book I have read that captures the reality of the Civil War in a gripping, astounding story. This story does not choose a political side and push propaganda, like so many other stories and history textbooks do. Across Five Aprils shows the truth: that there was much more to the American Civil War than just slavery.
From a historical, realistic viewpoint, this book was spot on and never had info dumps. It flowed well and showed many events in a clear light. The setting was also vivid.
The characters were all very well done and memorable. Each character added something to the story.

Spoiler

I WILL NEVER BE OVER BILL, Y'ALL.

I cannot serve this book justice by my review. I love it.

bookgirl4ever's review against another edition

3.0

Jethro Creighton is 8 years old when his family is split up because of the Civil War. Jethro's brothers go off to war, and one to fight with the Confederacy (which is highly looked down upon by his the local town). Jethro passes five Aprils learning about the tragedy of war, loyalty, heartbreak and is forced to become a man long before his years.

I'm not sure how accurate the novel is and while a bit dry at times, Across Five Aprils presents an interesting history of the Civil War.

Appropriate for ages 12+ (although I'm not sure how many would want to read this unless assigned to :).

unojaden's review against another edition

I read this in 7th grade reading (I didn’t pick it), and I can’t remember a whole lot about it, but I’m pretty sure I got bored of it very quickly