Customer Reviews: Read 201 more reviews...
 A Classic September 6, 2008
Like many others, I was required to read this book in school. Unlike those who apparently have no attention span or appreciation of our country's history, I enjoyed it a great deal.
Through Jethro's experiences, Ms. Hunt does an excellent job of touching on what the true heartache of this particular war was: brother against brother, with a difference in beliefs which split families apart and tore the nation.
A Story About Family and War March 16, 2008
When I read the book, Across Five Aprils, the book kept me interested throughout the story. I can see a clear picture of the Civil War;hungry soldiers and hardworking farmers. Across Five Aprils is a story about the Civil War through the eyes of a nine year old boy,Jethro. I remember the part when Jethro's favorite brother,Bill leaves to fight with the South. I can feel the pain. I can picture Shadrach's and Jenny's happy face when they got married. I also felt Jethro's anger when Jenny had received a letter from Shadrach, while he was fighting the war, and would not show it to anyone. Jethro had misunderstood and soon realized that it was a private letter so he had forgiven Jenny quickly. During the confusion of the war, Jethro and his family had a hard relationship with each other,but when the war ended, the family would soon be united.
 Awfull!!! February 12, 2008
1 out of 7 found this review helpful
Ever since I was force-fed this book in 6th grade I have known it as my least favorite book ever. When it came time to write a 5 paragraph persuasive essay about some of the themes in the book I instead chose to write about why the book should be torn up, burned, and hung. I got a 'D' on the essay for effort.
Maybe people who like eating children or have some other sick and twisted hobby will enjoy this book but I personally DO NOT. It took me, give-or-take 5 hours straight to get past the first couple chapters that don't have anything happen besides farming and bad grammar [eek!]
If you don't want to take my word for it though, go ahead and read this rubbish: it's your funeral! Afterwards maybe you can chew tobacco and worship Satan!
 decent novel about a family split by the Civil War December 16, 2007
This book is a coming of age tale for southern Illinois preteen Jethro, who's hard-working farm family is forced to face the American Civil War. Jethro's schoolteacher, brothers, and cousin (who later deserts) fight for the North while his favorite brother fights for the South. The family must face the horrors of the war from the home front while also facing the prejudices of the zealots of home. The book would be incredibly difficult for young readers because of the dialect. Also, the plot is more tell than show. But, still, a powerful human tale of a border-state family during a tragic period. Grade: B
My Students Always End Up LOVING This Book!! September 14, 2007
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
I teach 8th grade and my students and I LOVE this novel. There are several good twists,turns, and nice surprises along the way. It may require some thinking on their part to "get into it", but I have never had one student tell me that they didn't like the book when they were finished. In fact, students would get angry if we had to skip a day! This is a great historical fiction that really sparks a great deal of discussion about he Civil War. When I read other kids complaining about this book I thought of something Eleanor Roosevelt once said. "It takes curiosity to gain intellegence." So, if you're curious about the Civil War, this is a good read!
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