Across Five Aprils

Across Five Aprils follows the Creighton family through the turbulent years of the American Civil War, beginning in 1861. Nine-year-old Jethro Creighton matures rapidly as his older brothers enlist on opposing sides of the conflict, while his father falls ill. Caught between divided loyalties and the harsh realities of war, Jethro must navigate family tensions, community suspicion, and personal loss. Through letters and visits, he witnesses the war's devastating impact on those he loves. This coming-of-age novel captures the emotional toll of civil conflict on ordinary families and explores themes of loyalty, courage, and the cost of freedom during America's darkest chapter.