Reviews

Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt

bdsongbird8's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective 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? Yes

4.5

bookwoman1967's review against another edition

3.0

I know I read this as a child; so much I didn't remember, especially how much focus on the Civil War itself and all the battles. I think it is a good book, though it's not for those enthralled with today's dystopian fiction or glitzy, glamorous teen stuff. It's an examination of the great moral issues of a country at war with itself through the eyes of a young boy. Definitely a coming of age story to be slowly savored.

livingforjesus08's review against another edition

5.0

I don’t have a lot to say about this book but I’ll say what I do have.

This book made me cry. Especially the ending. It’s just so raw and real. The story of a 9 yr old boy as he grows up over the 4 year span of the civil war. He has a brother on each side of the war, and not only does it make it harder for his family (they’re loyal to the north) but because one of their boys is a Reb, some of the townspeople hate (hate=burning down their barn and more) their family.

And than when everything was starting to look up, the ending happened. And that’s where I cried. It made their pain from that war feel so real to me. Read it.

Highly recommend this book! Short summary of my review that’s already short…

This book made me cry. Read it.

heidi_mcj's review against another edition

This is a great book. I highly recommend it to anyone who is trying to get older elementary/Jr. High kids interested in the Civil War.

sallyavena's review against another edition

5.0

I think this is the book that led me to loving a good historical fiction novel. The fact that the Civil War is part of who I am, having grown up in Gettysburg, might have something to do with how much I like this book too. It is a well written book that gives you both sides of the the Civil War and the emotions that went with the division of not only the country but of families.

labunnywtf's review against another edition

1.0

The only book I ever had to read for a class that I hated. I don't even remember the plot now, but I despised this book. So horribly boring.

hnbb's review against another edition

4.0

My husband recommended this book to me and I was surprised I had never heard of it. It took me a bit to get into. This was a very well written book. It was just hard to read because there was so much sadness that was all to real. The Civil War is one that seems all too real to me and this book didn't make it easier. I think that the author did a great job portraying all sides and history. It is one I want for my own shelves I will have my children read.

bethkoehler's review against another edition

5.0

Such a great book. Read this as part of our Modern American and World History course with Beautiful Feet Books. My kids - 6th grade - read it as well (one through audiobook) and both enjoyed it as well.

julia1627's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative fast-paced

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

4.0

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.