Point of View

Based on family stories of her grandfather, who was a boy during the Civil War, Irene Hunt writes Across Five Aprils as told in third person. It is from the point of view of nine-year old Jethro Creighton. Jethro grows into an early manhood as a result of the onset of the American Civil War. Through Jethro, we hear the viewpoint of youth, maturing as events take place. Through his memories, thoughts and conversation, we learn of the history of his family. Through conversations with family members and overheard talk of men folk, Jethro's thoughts tell us of the political opinions and changes during an important part of American history.

We follow along with Jethro and the map given to him by Shadrach Yale as the Union Army marches through the South. Jethro and Jenny read letters from the battlefields and newspaper accounts. Through Jethro's interactions...