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Across Five Aprils Audiobook
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(3.17) - 24 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Southern Illinois is a place of mixed emotions as the American Civil War erupts. For the Creightons, the war lures two sons to the Union army and one to the Confederacy, leaving 10-year-old Jethro to care for the family farm. As the war rages, Jethro does whatever he can to learn about the fates of his brothers, while the Creighton family faces its own danger. Some townspeople can't forgive the Creightons for having a rebel son-and they're willing to use violence to make their feelings known. In a state torn by conflicting loyalties, Jethro is forced to grow up quickly to preserve his family and their home. Across Five Aprils is a powerful classic from Newbery Medal-winning author Irene Hunt. Tom Stechschulte's homespun narration brings out the spirit and courage of a boy who shoulders a tremendous load--and becomes a young man in the process.
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"Not a bad story and not that long. I read it in one night - because my community college professor wanted a paper on it and I had to turn it in the next day - and actually enjoyed it. I don't want to spoil anything, but if you're from Southern Illinois like I am, pick this up! "
— Jeff (4 out of 5 stars)
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“An intriguing and beautifully written book.”
— New York Times -
“A powerfully moving story about the Creighton family of Southern Illinois and their personal struggles in the War Between the States.”
— Chicago Daily News -
“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 -
“This beautifully written novel offers valuable insights into the difficulties faced by families and communities caught up in the political, economic, and personal upheavals of war.”
— School Library Journal
Across Five Aprils Listener Reviews
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" This young adult classic was very interesting. It was about the youngest son of Illinois farmers during the Civil War. What struck me most was how hard people can work and what hardships they can (or can't) endure if necessary. "
— Summer, 5/18/2011 -
" You know, we don't think about the Civil War much anymore. This book allows you to relive it from the point of view of someone on the sidelines. The best part was the letter from the President. "
— Ken, 5/10/2011 -
" I read this after it was assigned to my daugher in 8th grade. I loved how the book broke down the conflicts of the Civil War into easy concepts for students. I think it's a must-read for American history buffs. "
— Sonia, 5/9/2011 -
" Surprised I liked this book as much as I did. Despite sounding boring initially, it really drew me in and I did enjoy it a lot. "
— Brittanie, 5/3/2011 -
" The book takes place during the civil War but, is from the families point of veiw and not so much from the men in the war and the battles. It told of the families and some of thier strugles. "
— Wayne, 5/1/2011 -
" It was barely possible for me to understand most of what they were saying because of the way that she made the characters talk, and how she spelled it. It was rather hard for me to follow the book itself as well. "
— Tokio, 4/25/2011 -
" This book is proof that one should reread high school assignments. I really enjoyed reading this account of the Civil War, told through the Creighton family. A good book with great characters. "
— Beckie, 3/25/2011 -
" I'm not a history girl..... "
— Samantha, 3/24/2011 -
" Listened to it on my MP-3. Enjoyable but not a lot of action. "
— Adine, 3/19/2011 -
" The best book written about those left behind in the time of war. Told through the eyes of a ten year old boy who watches his family torn apart and brought back together by the Civil War and his own courage in learning to read and write an who he writes too will thrill you. "
— David, 3/16/2011 -
" BORING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We had to read this in class and it is the one of the worst book ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!NOBODY died, civil war maniacs. So, to sum it up, it is one o' the worst book EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "
— Andrew, 3/3/2011
About Irene Hunt
Irene Hunt (1907–2001) was an American children’s writer best known for historical novels. Her first book, Across Five Aprils was a runner-up for the Newbery Medal, an award which she won for her second novel, Up a Road Slowly. She was a nominee in 1974 for the biennial Hans Christian Andersen Award, the highest international recognition available to creators of children’s books.
About Tom Stechschulte
Tom Stechschulte (1948–2021) was an acclaimed narrator and winner of the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration. He had been a college athlete and business major when a friend dared him to audition for a play. He got the part and traded the locker room for the dressing room, eventually taking him to New York City and to recording audiobooks.