Across+Five+Aprils

Summary:
Jethro Creighton, the protagonist, is young and idealistic when the Civil War begins. At first he thinks the war will be neat, full of marching soldiers and demonstrative patriotism. He learns the realities of war soon enough as he watches his three brothers, his cousin, and his teacher go off to fight. [] Lexile: 1100

Book Talk from Booktalks Quick and Simple:
Young Jethro Creighton watches the beginnings of the Civil War. He has older brothers on each side of the dispute. His idol, the school teacher engaged to his sister also joins the fight. Jethro is left to do the work formerly shared by all the brothers. In "Across Five Aprils", we relive Jethro's aching muscles and fearful rides back from town for supplies. We also witness the boy's innocent faith in the Presidency and his brave defense of a cousin who deserted.

Background info:
A resident of Jasper County Illinois, Jethro hears of the Civil War through letters. Here are some [|actual letters]written by an enlisted man in Company F, 12th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Calvary in 1861.