Across Five Aprils
Recommended. Age: 11+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
Jethro is a nine-year-old farm boy in Illinois when the Civil War begins. His brothers go off to fight, one of them for the other side, and Jethro has to do a man's work at home. He learns how war hurts families and how mercy can heal. A strong, faith-friendly story about family love and mercy in war, Recommended. Age 11, set by Common Sense Media.
For parents
Age 11, set by Common Sense Media (the publisher says 9-12; Plugged In says 11 to 17). Read it aloud from 9. Battle reports are grim, and a brother dies. Neighbors attack Jethro, threaten the family and burn their barn. A drunk young man once killed Jethro's sister Mary. Some characters defend slavery. Ask: how did the Creightons keep loving Bill? Why was Lincoln's mercy to the deserters right?