Irene Hunt

A seven-year-old orphan goes to live with her aunt, where she learns new values as she grows to young womanhood. There are many happy memories and sad times too; jealousy of her sister, death of a schoolmate, and disappointment of first love.

A young victim of child abuse gradually overcomes his fears and suspicions when placed in a home with other boys.

The historical novel, Across five Aprils, set at the time of the Civil War, chronicles the war as well as the story of a young boy's growing up. A sourcebook of activities and related readings accompanies this coming-of-age novel.