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7th-8th LEVELED READER - CIVIL WAR UNIT
ACROSS FIVE APRILS (TE)
SYNOPSIS:
Across Five Aprils is a memorable story of the tragic years of the Civil War
as experienced by a boy, his family, and neighbors in a backwoods community
in southern Illinois. Through conversation and experience, the issues in the
war gradually become clearer to Jethro. The main theme of the book is the
effect of outside events upon a child growing up. One of Jethro’s brothers
joins the Confederate side and the others fight for the Union. Some
members of the community turn against the family because they have a son
fighting on the Confederate side. The family barn is burned and the well
water filled with oil. The story emphasizes the futility of aggression. The
author paints a believable young boy whose adolescence coincides with the
period of the American Civil War.
ESSENTIALS:
As the leveled reader, 7th and 8th grade students will be working independent
or in small groups to do reading activities. Teacher lead discussion questions
for each chapter are available on pages
.
The main activities for students using this book are as follows:
 15 days of readings and a closure day
 Vocabulary awareness for each day
 Questions to assess student thinking and comprehension
 Author’s Craft to highlight during reading
 Graphic Organizers to help clarify thinking
As the instructor, please take time each day to go over the material
students will be using and discussion questions.
VOCABULARY: (Numbers in parentheses represent page numbers)
Vocabulary sheets and Quia sites (one for each week) are available for each
day’s vocabulary. Teacher’s editions follow student pages.
QUESTIONS/ PREDICTIONS: (No additional: Thoughts to Ponder are
included on TE page. In Depth questions are included with student wk.)
Question sheets provide students with questions from various Bloom’s
Taxonomy levels. Many sheets direct students to make predictions.
AUTHOR’S CRAFT/GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS:
Visual representations of how the ideas in the book are related to each
other and techniques the author uses to enhance readers enjoyment are
presented throughout the 16 days of this study unit.
1
BACKGROUND INFORMATION (TE)
THE CIVIL WAR
The Civil War was fought from 1861-1865. It is also known as the War between and States
and the War of Secession. The conflicts between the North and South had their beginnings
long before the firing on Fort Sumter in April 1861. The differences between the two
regions developed over generations as ways of living and thinking took on a distinctive flavor
in each section of the country.
ECONOMY
IDEAS
WAYS OF
LIFE
NORTH
Mixed including agrarian and
manufacturing
Puritan ethnic
Individualism
Individual effort
Developing small businesses
GEOGRAPHY
Cooler climate
Rocky soil favored growth of
cities
POPULATION 22 million
IDEAS ON
Favored primacy of federal rule
STATE’S
RIGHTS
POLITICS
New Republican Party emerged
SOUTH
Agrarian
Paternal
Plantation system
Plantation
Agricultural economy based on
slave labor
Warm climate
Fertile soil
9 million
Favored state’s rights
New country formed
Added to these economic concerns was the debate over the institution of slavery.
Northerners, especially the Abolitionists, believed that it was morally wrong for any human
being to own another as property. Southerners defended slavery by pointing out that slaves
were often treated better than factory workers in northern cities. The country seemed
able to live with these differences until slavery became an issue in new territories and
states. Southerners saw their power slowly eroding. When Lincoln, a northerner, became
President, eleven states seceded from the Union to form the Confederacy with Jefferson
Davis as president. Now the issue facing America was not only whether slavery should be
allowed, but also whether states could leave the Union if they disagreed with government
policy. Determined to preserve the Union, Lincoln ordered food and supplies sent to Union
soldiers at Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina precipitating the conflict that was
later recognized as the start of the Civil War.
MAJOR CAUSES
_Preservation of slavery
_State’s rights
_Agricultural way of life
versus manufacturing
_Disposition of western
lands
DIFFICULTIES
_Terrain
_Poor control of troops
_Poor food and clothing
_Length of the war
_Brother vs. brother
(family against family)
RESULTS
_620,000 soldiers died
_Destruction of South
and southern way of life
_End of Slavery
_Preservation of Union
2
MAJOR BATTLES OF THE CIVIL WAR MENTIONED IN THE NOVEL
Time
Place
Victor
1861
April 12
Fort Sumter, SC
Confederacy
July 21
Bull Run, VA (Manassas)
Confederacy
Comments
Fort attacked by Confederates
when supplies for Union arrived.
Lack of discipline among Union
soldiers
1862
Feb. 6
Feb.16
Fort Henry, TN
Fort Donelson, TN
Union
Union
Mar.7
Pea Ridge, AR
Union
Apr.6
Pittsburgh Landing
(Shiloh)
Aug.29
Second Manassas
Sept.17
Antietam Creek, MD
Dec.13
Fredericksburg, VA
Confederacy
Confederacy
First victory under command of
U.S. Grant
Ended Confederate threat to
Missouri
Confederacy wanted to seize
initiative in TN but could not
crush Union forces.
Height of Confederate General
Robert E. Lee’s power. Paved way
for first invasion of the North.
Lee wanted show-down battle
with Union General McClellan’s
Army of the Potomac.
Union General Burnside took
over from Gen. McClellan, but
failed to stop the Confederacy.
1863
May 1
Chancellorsville, VA
Confederacy
July 1
Gettysburg, PA
Union
July 4
Vicksburg, MS
Union
Lee’s biggest victory. General
Burnside replaced by Gen. Joe
Hooker. Confederate General
Stonewall Jackson died here.
Part of Lee’s PA campaign to
shift fighting away from VA.
After fighting here, Lee could
not launch another large
offensive.
Grant’s offensive gave Union
total control of MS. This battle
and Gettysburg destroyed
Southern hope for victory.
Grant given control of entire
army.
1864
Sept,2
Atlanta, GA
Union
Nov.15Dec.20
Sherman’s march to the sea
Union
Apr. 9
Appomattox Court House
Grant planned to infiltrate
enemy territory and inflict
damage.
1865
Lee surrenders to General Grant
3
DAILY LESSON PLANS FOR ACROSS FIVE APRILS
DAY 1
Intro. activities
& AFA Ch. 1,
Pages 7-16
Student, p.6,7,8
TE, p. 5,9
DAY 2
AFA Ch. 1,
Pages 17-26
Student, p.10,11
TE, p. 12
DAY 3
AFA Ch. 2,
Pages 27-36
Student,
p.13,14,16
TE, p. 15
DAY 4
AFA Ch. 3,
Pages 37-46
Student,
p.17,18,19
TE, p. 20
DAY 5
AFA Ch. 4,
Pages 47-64
Student, p.21,22
TE, p. 23
DAY 6
AFA Ch. 5,
Pages 65-78
Student, p.24,25
TE, p. 26
DAY 7
AFA Ch. 5,
Pages 79-89
Student, p.27,28
TE, p. 29,30
DAY 8
AFA Ch. 6,
Pages 90-107
Student,
p.31,32,33
TE, p. 34
DAY 9
AFA Ch. 7,
Pages 108-118
Student, p.35,36
TE, p. 37
DAY 10
AFA Ch. 8,
Pages 119-127
Student, p.38,39
TE, p. 40
DAY 11
AFA Ch. 9,
Pages 128-137
Student, p.41,42
TE, p.43,44
DAY 12
AFA Ch. 9,
Pages 138-147
Student,
p.45,46,47
TE, p. 48,49
DAY 13
AFA Ch. 10,
Pages 148-159
Student, p.50,51
TE, p. 52
DAY 14
AFA Ch. 11,
Pages 160-173
Student, p.53,54
TE, p.55
DAY 15
AFA Ch. 12,
Pages 174-190
Student,
p.56,57,58
TE, p. 59
DAY 16
Closure Acts.
p. 60,61
TEST
St. 62-68
TE 69
4
ACROSS FIVE APRILS by IRENE HUNT
DAY 1 – INTRODUCTION TO BOOK (TE)
CONNECT: Have a couple of students stage a verbal argument over the rules of a
game played at recess or PE. Have them really get into it; each defending his point
of view. Each emphasizing that this could affect how the game is played for the
rest of the year. Keep it going until other classmates start to take sides.
ATTEND: Talk to the students about their feelings. Note there were classmates
animatedly for each persons view point, however, others could see both sides and
had a difficult time choosing where to stand. Explain that our classrooms are often
like a big family. Member of a family each have their own thoughts, feelings, and
ways of dealing with conflict.
IMAGINE
“Think about a time when you disagreed with a family member or a close friend
about an important matter. Think about the issue you were disagreeing about. How
did you try to convince the other person to see your point of view? What
happened? ”
After students have had some time to think about what happened with their family,
you may wish the students to discuss what the following words mean and how they
relate :
 determination,
 opinions
 decisions
 effects on others in the family, especially younger siblings
INFORM, PRACTICE
Hand out copies of the book to the students. Ask them NOT to open the book,
ONLY look at outside for now. Have students study the cover, consider the title,
and read together the synopsis on the back. Invite students to discuss what you
have read and complete together the Book Clue Search chart (page 5). You may
wish to post predictions on chart paper.
INFORM, PRACTICE, EXTEND
As you read Across Five Aprils together over the next four weeks, students will see
many similarities to their own families and the turmoil that affects their lives.
They will also learn more about the Civil in America, the need to allow each person
to follow their own convictions and the need for tolerance, acceptance and love.
REFINE, PERFORM
After the book is completed, a day will be given to bringing closure to this text.
Activities will help refine what has been studied and celebrate the completion of
the text.
5
ACROSS FIVE APRILS by IRENE HUNT
DAY 1
BOOK CLUE SEARCH
INFORMATION SOURCE
INFORMATION PROVIDED
Title
Cover
Teasers on the Cover
Reviewers’ Recommendations/
Awards Won
Teacher’s Introduction
Predictions about the book:
6
VOCABULARY –
Across Five Aprils,
“Chapter One” – pages 7-16
www.quia.com/jg/1128407.html
1 reverberations (8)
2 apathy (11)
3 imminence (12)
4 comeuppance (12)
5 tariffs (14)
6 seceding (14)
7 inclination (15)
7
Questions & Quotes
Across Five Aprils –
”Chapter One” p.7-16
INQUIRY
1
Where and at what time does
this story take place?
2
How is Jethro helping his mother
when the story begins?
3
Why did Ellen think Jethro was a
special child? What other
evidence showed that he was an
unusual boy?
4
How were Jethro’s feelings
about the war different from
those expressed by the women in
his family?
5
Why do you think the author set
this story in southern Illinois
instead of another location such
as Massachusetts?
6
Do you agree with Jethro that
some aspects of war might be
glorious? Why or Why Not?
7
Who was Mary and what
happened to her?
RESPONSE
8
Answer Key and Discussion Leads
Across Five Aprils, Chapter One, pgs.7-16 (TE)
Vocabulary
Definitions:
reverberations (8)-the echoes that are heard after an explosion
apathy (11) –lack of enthusiasm or energy
imminence (12) –about to happen, threatening to happen
comeuppance (12) –getting what is deserved
tariffs (14) – the term for government taxes on imports and
exports
seceding (14) –to make a formal withdrawal of membership from an
organization, state, or alliance
inclination (15) – tendency to do or preference for something
QuestionsAnswers:
1) Southern Illinois, 1861
2) planting potatoes
3) Ellen thought Jethro was a special child because he was her last
born and he was lucky and strong enough to survive illness when
other young children in the family died. He was intelligent and quick
in school also.
4) Jethro was excited about a forthcoming war with its parades and
soldiers in uniform. The women, however, dreaded war, fearing loss
of loved ones in battle.
5) Answers will vary.
6) Answers will vary.
7) Mary, Jethro’s sister, was killed when drunken Travis Burdow
fired a gun over the head of the horses driving the wagon she was
in; it overturned and she died.
Discussion:
Author’s
Craft –
Narrator
What is a narrator? (The person who tells a story) Who is the
narrator of this story? The angle from which the narrator tells the
story is called the point of view. The three common points of view
are:
a) First Person: Narration of the story by a character who
uses the pronoun “I” in referring to himself.
b) Omniscient: The narration of a story as though by an allknowing observer who can see into the minds of all the
characters.
c) Omniscient Third Person: The narrator is all-observing, but
limits himself primarily to what one of the characters can
know and experience.
(Across Five Aprils was written in Omniscient Third Person.)
9
VOCABULARY –
Across Five Aprils,
“Chapter One” – pages 17-26
www.quia.com/jg/1128407.html
1 dissipate (17)
2 intervention (17)
3 waver (18)
4 perplexities (18)
5 amiable (21)
6 coveted (21)
7 rampaging (22)
8 contempt (22)
9 elicited (24)
10 buoyancy (25)
10
Questions & Quotes
Across Five Aprils –
”Chapter One” p.17-26
INQUIRY
1
The tragedy of Mary’s death and
the Burdow family story disturbs
Jethro. He questions his father’s
sense of justice. What might
change his feelings about the
Burdows?
RESPONSE
PREDICTION:
2
How does Jethro compare his
father to Abraham Lincoln?
3
Who has come from Kentucky
for a visit?
4
Who is Shad and how is he
treated by Jethro’s family?
5
What news do you think Shad will PREDICTION:
bring back from Newton?
6
Who is Nancy and what is she
like?
7
What do you think would be a
good title for Chapter One?
11
Answer Key and Discussion Leads
Across Five Aprils, Chapter One, pgs.17-26 (TE)
Vocabulary
Definitions:
dissipate (17)-scatter, thin out and weaken, cause to diminish
intervention (17) –mediating, stepping in to help in another’s affairs
waver (18) – to go back and forth between possibilities, indecisive
perplexities (18) –something that is difficult to understand,
complicated
amiable (21) – friendly and pleasant
coveted (21) –strong desire to possess something that belongs to
somebody else
rampaging (22) – outburst of uncontrolled violent or riotous
behaviors
contempt (22) – attitude of utter disgust or hatred
elicited (24) – drawn out something hidden, provoke a reaction
buoyancy (25) – cheerfulness
QuestionsAnswers:
1) Answers will vary.
2) Jethro feels anger at his father for not bringing the Burdows to
justice and anger toward the President for not getting the war
started and over with.
3) Cousin Wilse Graham from Kentucky comes with news.
4) He is a young schoolmaster in love with Jethro’s sister; Ellen has
treated him as part of the family since nursing him back to health
when he had typhoid fever.
5) Answers will vary.
6) Nancy is John’s wife. She is shy and quiet.
7) Answers will vary.
Discussion:
Language
Study
Colloquial language is informal speech that is typical of a particular
region. Discuss what each expression means:
1) Do you reckon we’ll be through by the time ham and corn
bread is ready fer dinner? (Do you think or suppose)
2) I hope we won’t be too fur spent to wait up fer him. (too
tired)
3) We’ll set a minute, Jeth . . . . The plantin’ won’t suffer
overmuch if we spell ourselves a little. (We will sit down)
12
VOCABULARY –
Across Five Aprils,
“Chapter Two” – pages 27-36
www.quia.com/jg/1128407.html
1 secesh (28)
2 arrogant (29)
3 tremulous (29)
4 abolitionists (30)
5 Mason-Dixon Line
(31)
6 tumult (31)
7 vehement (32)
8 industrialism (32)
9 constrained (33)
10 seething (33)
13
Questions & Quotes
Across Five Aprils –
”Chapter Two” p.27-36
INQUIRY
1
RESPONSE
Why is the Creighton family so
troubled about a possible
separation of the North and the
South?
2
What does Matthew Creighton
mean when he says, “… this
separation, Wilse, it won’t do.
We’re a union; separate; we’re
jest two weakened, puny pieces,
each needin’ the other”?
3
Why do you think Mrs. Creighton
doesn’t want anyone to talk about
war?
4
Bill and John have different
opinions about the war. Do you
think one will change his mind?
Who? Why?
5
What news did Shadrach Yale
bring from Newton?
6
What did Wilse mean when he
said, “Yore own Ol’ Abe from this
fair state of Illinois is talkin’ out
of both sides of his mouth”?
7
What do you think would be a
good title for Chapter Two?
PREDICTION:
14
Answer Key and Discussion Leads
Across Five Aprils, Chapter Two, pgs.27-36 (TE)
secesh (28)-being among those who desired to leave the Union
Vocabulary
arrogant (29) –haughty, proudly contemptuous
tremulous (29) – shaking, trembling, or quavering, fearful
Definitions:
QuestionsAnswers:
Discussion:
Author’s
Craft Character
abolitionists (30) –opponents of slavery, those who seek to ban
slavery
Mason-Dixon line (31) – the boundary between Maryland and
Pennsylvania
tumult (31) –confusion or mayhem, noisy commotion
vehement (32) – expressed with, or showing conviction or intense
feeling
industrialism (32) – an economic system that is based on factory
production rather than agriculture
constrained (33) – lacking naturalness or spontaneity because of
self-consciousness, reserve, or inhibiting circumstances
seething (33) – full of anger, especially pent-up anger
1) They are closer in many ways to the people in Missouri and
Kentucky than they are to the big city and eastern people of
Chicago and New York.
2) Answers will vary.
3) Answers will vary.
4) Answers will vary.
5) Shadrach Yale communicated from Newton that war had begun,
Fort Sumter had been fired upon by Confederate troops.
6) Wilse meant that Abe Lincoln was, at times, undecided about the
slavery issues.
7) Answers will vary.
Many characters are introduced in the first two chapters of the book.
Begin to list them, identify their physical and special characteristics, and
how Jethro feels about each one. Have students use the chart on page 16
or create their own graphic organizers for the characters selected.
Have students work together to record the political opinion of each
member of the Creighton family on a chart similar to one below. In the
first column write N or S, indicating whether that person supported the
North or the South. Then find something that the person said which
expresses how he or she felt. Indicate the page number in last column.
You may wish to note how the author uses this as a foreshadowing of
coming events in the story.
CHARACTER
Matt Creighton
Bill Creighton
Tom Creighton
Wilse Creighton
Eb Carron
John Creighton
N/S
STATEMENT
PAGE
15
CHARACTER ANALYSIS SHEET
Character’s Voice
What the character says:
Character’s Voice
What the words show:
Character’s Deeds
What the character does:
Character’s Deeds
What the actions show:
Character’s Thoughts and Feelings
What the character thinks and feels:
Character’s Thoughts and Feelings
What the thoughts and feelings show:
Character’s Looks
Hair Color
Eye Color
Age
Height
Distinguishing features:
What Others Say about the Character
Character’s Looks
Similarities to me:
Differences:
What We Learn About the
Character From Them
16
VOCABULARY –
Across Five Aprils,
“Chapter Three” – pages 37-46
www.quia.com/jg/1128407.html
1 prestige (37)
2 oratory (37)
3 tedium (37)
4 fiasco (38)
5 chafed (38)
6 emancipator (39)
7 nullification (41)
8 blithely (42)
9 wastrel (42)
10 silhouetted (44)
11 perplexity (44)
17
Questions & Quotes
Across Five Aprils –
”Chapter Three” p.37-46
INQUIRY
1
RESPONSE
How do the people turn the
preparation for war into one long
party?
2
How do the Battles of Bull Run
and Ball’s Bluff change the spirit
of the times?
3
Explain Bill’s words, “… this war
has been fanned by hate till it’s a
blaze now; and a blaze kin
destroy him that makes it and
him that the fire was set to
hurt.”
4
Why do Bill and John have a
fight?
5
Do you think Bill’s decision to
fight for the South will change
Jethro’s feelings for him? How
might they change?
6
What do you think would be a
good title for Chapter Three?
18
Journal – Week One
Across Five Aprils –
Write about a time when you or a good friend had to
leave the neighborhood you called home. Tell the reason
for the departure and whether the friendship withstood
the separation.
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
19
Answer Key and Discussion Leads
Across Five Aprils, Chapter Three, pgs.37-46 (TE)
Vocabulary
Definitions:
prestige (37)- the kind of honor, awe, or high opinion that is
inspired by high-ranking, influential, or successful person or
product
oratory (37) – the art of speaking in public with style, cogency, and
grace
tedium (37) – boring, monotonous, too long or repetitive
fiasco (38) – a total failure, especially a humiliating or ludicrous one
chafed (38) – to rub something, causing friction
emancipator (39) – to free somebody from slavery, serfdom, or
bondage
nullification (41) – idea that a state could set aside a law of
Congress
blithely (42) – casually indifferent to anyone’s feelings
wastrel (42) – somebody regarded as wasteful, spendthrift, or lazy
silhouetted (44) – something lit in such a way as to appear dark but
surrounded by light
perplexity (44) – the nature of something that is difficult to
understand, disconcertingly complex
QuestionsAnswers:
1) They have big picnics, brass bands and speakers. Pretty girls
plan ways to collect money for the troop.
2) The people begin to realize that war means killing off young men
and that the war will not easily be won by the North.
3) Answers will vary.
4) Bill’s leaving home to fight for the South sparks the fight. Bill
believes fighting for the North is fighting for factory owners and
big money rather than for the farmer.
5) Answers will vary.
6) Answers will vary.
Discussion:
Author’s
Craft – Tone
Tone is the author’s emotional attitude as presented in the story.
The author shares his characters’ mood and the moods are
reflected in the environment and in the author’s choice of details
in presenting the facts.
How does Jethro’s nightmare and his talk with Bill set the tone for
the novel?
(Jethro is upset and scared because of the talk about war. Bill’s
talk with him set an atmosphere for how terrible war is.)
20
VOCABULARY –
Across Five Aprils,
“Chapter Four” – pages 47-64
www.quia.com/jg/1129064.html
1 capitulation (48)
2 admonitions (52)
3 tyrannical (55)
4 allusion (55)
5 rebuke (59)
6 pompous (61)
7 constriction (61)
8 maneuvering (62)
9 distortions (62)
10 skepticism (63)
21
Questions & Quotes
Across Five Aprils –
”Chapter Four” p.47-64
INQUIRY
1
What is the first real victory for
the North?
2
How is Jethro changing in this
chapter? How are his feelings
for his family changing?
3
Why do you think Mrs. Creighton
sent Jethro to visit Shad?
4
How do Ma and Pa differ on the
subject of Jenny’s marrying
Shad?
5
Jethro feels a twinge of loyalty
for his father. If you had been
Jethro, what would you have said
to Shad?
6
Why do people, not only in the
South, criticize Abraham
Lincoln?
7
What would be a good title for
this chapter?
RESPONSE
22
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Across Five Aprils, Chapter Four, pgs.47-64
Vocabulary:
capitulation (48) – the document containing the terms of a
surrender
admonitions (52) – Cautionary advice or warning
tyrannical (55) – unjustly cruel, harsh, or severe; arbitrary or
oppressive
allusion (55) – a passing or casual reference; an incidental mention
of something, either directly or by implication
rebuke (59) – sharp, stern disapproval; reproof; reprimand
pompous (61) – ostentatiously lofty or high-flown
constriction (61) – something that constricts or tightens
maneuvering (62) – steering in various directions
distortions (62) – changes to or unclear copies of an original,
especially a lack of accuracy in reception or reproduction
skepticism (63) – doubt or unbelief with regard to a religion
Questions:
1) The fall of Fort Henry in Tennessee
2) Answers will vary.
3) Answers will vary, possible references to time for grown-ups
to talk, to give Jethro some happy company, and to share Tom’s
letter with Shad
4) Ma approves but Pa thinks Jenny is too young.
5) Answers will vary.
6) Abolitionists hate him for not taking a harder, faster stand on
slavery; people blame Lincoln for the generals’ mistakes; and
people make fun of his grammar, his appearance and his family.
7) Answers will vary.
Discussion:
Questions for
Thought
What effect do you think the slow pace of communication in the
1860s had on the actual development of the Civil War?
Discussion:
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is the use of clues by an author to prepare readers
for later developments in the story. Sometimes foreshadowing
enables the reader to predict future events in a story. In this
chapter the author says of Jethro, “the hardships one endured
had a purpose; his mother had been careful to make him aware of
that. “ What might this foreshadow?
Shad said that “it took far more courage for Bill to do what he did
than it does for John and me to carry out our plans next week.”
Do you agree with Shad?
23
VOCABULARY –
Across Five Aprils,
“Chapter Five” – pages 65-78
www.quia.com/jg/1129064.html
1 appalled (65)
2 passel (67)
3 exhilarated (68)
4 inevitably (69)
5 precariously (72)
6 decisive (74)
7 assurance (74)
8 dissipated (76)
9 Copperhead (76)
10 inconspicuous (77)
24
Questions & Quotes
Across Five Aprils –
”Chapter Five” p.65-78
INQUIRY
1
RESPONSE
What causes Ellen’s headache?
How is it cured?
2
How has Nancy begun to change
since John left?
3
Why do you think ten-year old
Jethro is given the job of driving
to town?
4
What trouble does Jethro run
into in town?
5
How does Jethro handle
Wortman?
6
What did you learn about an
1860’s town?
25
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Across Five Aprils, Chapter Five, pgs.65-78
Vocabulary:
appalled (65) – filled with consternation or dismay
passel (67) – A large quantity or group
exhilarated (68) – feeling happy, excited, and more than usually
vigorous and alive
inevitably (69) – certain to happen
precariously (72) – dangerously unstable, unsteady, uncertain, or
insecure
decisive (74) – showing an ability to make decisions quickly, firmly,
and clearly
assurance (74) – confidence in your ability or status
dissipated (76) – lost through squandering
Copperhead (76) – somebody living north of the Mason-Dixon line
who sympathized with the South during the Civil War
inconspicuous (77) – not easily seen or noticed
Questions:
1) She is addicted to coffee (most likely the caffeine in the
coffee), but has stopped drinking it because it has gotten so costly
and she has run out; Jethro borrows some from Nancy.
2) She has grown more talkative, inviting Jethro to play more with
her boys.
3) Answers may vary. Possible answers: No men are left to do the
farm work. It will not be easy for Jethro to drive the team but
that will be easier than the farm jobs.
4) Guy Wortman starts harassing him, calling Bill a “rebel” and a
“Copperhead”.
5) Jethro speaks up for Bill and his father.
6) muddy streets; bleak trees; box-like, unpainted cabins;
wooden,busy sidewalks; hundreds of chimneys; lots of excitement;
town built around a square; jail without doors; not many stores
Discussion:
Author’s
CraftIrony
Discussion:
Questions
for Thought
Irony refers to an incident that turns out to be the opposite of
what is expected.
What was ironic about Dave Burdow escorting Jethro through the
woods? Why do you think he did this?
Do you think that Guy Wortman will cause the Creightons any more
trouble? Will Jethro talk to Burdow again?
Help students stay current with character maps.
26
VOCABULARY –
Across Five Aprils,
“Chapter Five” – pages 79-89
www.quia.com/jg/1129064.html
1 astute (79)
2 caustically (79)
3 terrain (84)
4 revulsion (84)
5 floundered (84)
6 resonance (85)
7 plaintive (87)
27
Questions & Quotes
Across Five Aprils –
“Chapter Five” – pages 79-89
INQUIRY
1
Who is Ross Milton and how does
he treat Jethro?
2
What does Ross Milton give
Jethro? How does Jethro like
the gift?
3
Why does Burdow wait for
Jethro on the road?
4
Were you surprised by what
Burdow did? Why or Why not?
5
How much does Jethro tell his
family about what happened on
the trip?
6
Will the Burdows try to make up
to the Creightons?
7
What would be a good title for
Chapter Five?
RESPONSE
PREDICTION:
28
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Across Five Aprils, “Chapter Five” – pages 79-89
Vocabulary:
astute (79) – shrewd and discerning, especially where personal
benefit is to be derived
caustically (79) – very sarcastic, in a way that is particularly bitter
or cutting or causes intensely bad emotions
terrain (84) – ground or a piece of land seen in terms of its surface
features or general physical character, especially when crossing it
or using it for military purposes
revulsion (84) – a sudden and violent feeling of extreme loathing
floundered (84) – to make clumsy uncontrolled movements while
trying to regain balance or move forwards
resonance (85) – the effect of an event or work of art beyond its
immediate or surface meaning;an underlying meaning
plaintive (87) – expressing sadness or sounding sad
Questions:
1) Editor of the county newspaper; kind to Jethro, invites him to
have dinner
2) A book on usage he wrote; Jethro is honored
3) Burdow knows that Jethro could be ambushed and wants to
protect him.
4) Answers will vary.
5) At first he skips over the ambush, but then tells the whole story.
6) Answers will vary.
7) Answers will vary.
Discussion:
Questions
for Thoughts
How did the description of Jethro’s visit with Nancy personalize
the agony of war? What did this episode reveal that might have
been lost in a textbook account of the Civil War?
Think about a national or local news event that affected you
personally.
Encourage the students to talk about events and tell how it changed
their lives.
Discussion:
Story Map
A Story Map is an outline that helps you to understand and
remember the story better.
Guide students to remember details of what the story has covered
so far using a graphic organizer similar to the one found on page
30?
29
STORY MAP
Setting:
Characters:
Problem:
Event 1:
Event 2:
Event 3:
Event 4:
Solution or Conclusion:
30
VOCABULARY –
Across Five Aprils,
“Chapter Six” – pages 90-107
www.quia.com/jg/1129064.html
1 quagmire (92)
2 ultimatum (97)
3 tranquil (98)
4 dissipated (99)
5 raucous (104)
6 gullibility (106)
7 chagrin (106)
8 culprit (107)
9 malice (107)
31
Questions & Quotes
Across Five Aprils –
“Chapter Six” – pages 90-107
INQUIRY
1
RESPONSE
Why does Mrs. Creighton ask her
husband to visit the Burdows?
2
What happens to Matt
Creighton? How do you think this
will affect Jethro?
3
How does the continuing war
affect the Creightons?
4
Who burns down the Creightons’
barn and pours oil in their well?
Why do they do this?
5
How do most of the Creighton’s
neighbors react when they learn
about how the family has been
threatened?
6
What does Matt mean when he
tells Jethro he figures “that it
was writ that you’d be the staff
of yore pa’s old age”?
7
What do you think would be a
good title for Chapter Six?
Journal – Week Two
32
Across Five Aprils –
Being allowed to drive the team to town alone was a sign
that Jethro’s parents felt that he was growing up. Can
you think of a time that your parents gave you similar
responsibility? Did you feel the same way about it that
Jethro does?
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
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33
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Across Five Aprils, “Chapter Six” – pages 90-107
Vocabulary:
Questions:
Discussion:
Author’s
Craft Metaphor
Discussion:
Questions
for Thoughts
quagmire (92) – a soft marshy area of land that gives way when
walked on.
ultimatum (92) – a demand accompanied by a threat to inflict some
penalty if the demand is not met
tranquil (98) – free from or showing no signs of anxiety or agitation
dissipated (99) – lost through squandering
raucous (104) – loud and hoarse or unpleasant-sounding, or
characterized by loud noise, shouting, and ribald laughter
gullibility (106) – tending to trust and believe people, and therefore
easily tricked or deceived
chagrin (106) – a feeling of vexation or humiliation due to
disappointment about something
culprit (107) – somebody who is responsible for or guilty of an
offense or misdeed
malice (107) – the desire to cause harm to another or others, or to
see somebody in pain
1) She wants Matt to thank Dave Burdow for protecting Jethro.
2) He has a heart attack or stroke. Answers will vary on second
question.
3) Prices for things they buy are high; they worry about their boys;
and some people threaten the Creightons because Bill is fighting for
the South.
4) Drunken men who call the Creightons’ Copperheads.
5) They are supportive of the Creightons.
6) Jethro would support his father when his father grew old.
7) Answers will vary.
Similes and metaphors suggest comparisons of unlike objects.
Similes use the words: like or as.
Metaphors make the comparisons without using the words: like or
as.
For example: “This war is a beast with long claws.”
Is this a simile or a metaphor? What is being compared?
Why is this more effective than saying, “War is terrible”?
What had been the reaction of Jethro’s family and neighbors
during peace time?
Compare what they did during their leisure time with what people
do today?
Does the way that Burdow and the others terrized the Creightons
remind you of other incidents – from other stories, or from real
life?
34
VOCABULARY –
Across Five Aprils,
“Chapter Seven” – pages 108-118
www.quia.com/jg/__________.html
1 integrity (111)
2 plaudits (111)
3 tenacious (115)
4 inept (116)
35
Questions & Quotes
Across Five Aprils –
“Chapter Seven” – pages 108-118
INQUIRY
1
How do the neighbors help the
Creightons after their barn
burns?
2
Who is Dan Lawrence and what
sad news does he bring to the
Creightons?
3
What is the purpose of Ross
Milton’s open letter in the
newspaper?
4
How did you feel when you read
the open letter in Ross Milton’s
paper?
5
What does Jenny do with the
Bible?
6
How does Wortman become the
laughing stock of the county? Do
you think Wortman gets what he
deserves? Why or Why not?
7
What would be a good title for
Chapter Seven?
RESPONSE
36
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Across Five Aprils, “Chapter Seven” – pages 108-118
Vocabulary:
integrity (111) – the quality of possessing and steadfastly adhering
to high moral principles
plaudits (111) – an expression of praise or approval
tenacious (115) – tending to stick firmly to any decision, plan or
opinion without changing or doubting it
inept (116) - lacking the competence or skill for a particular task
Questions:
1) They clean the well, give the Creightons equipment, and a
promise of a barn-raising.
2) Dan, son of a neighbor, is a soldier who fought alongside Tom and
comes to report Tom’s death.
3) To put an end to the harassment of the Creightons by pointing
out that Tom has died fighting for the Union
4) Answers will vary.
5) Adds a notation in the Bible of Tom’s death
6) Sam Gardiner, proprietor of the general store, pretends that he
is away from the store; when Wortman and the ruffians strike, he
blasts Wortman in the backside with buckshot. Answers to second
question will vary.
7) Answers will vary.
Discussion:
Questions
for Thought
Why did Jenny tell Jethro that she no longer made plans for the
future?
Discussion:
Comparison –
Civil War
Help students use the information they are learning in their social
studies classes on the Civil War to compare with the battles being
mentioned in the reading of Across Five Aprils. See page 3 for
assistance.
Do you think Wortman is through bothering the Creightons? Why
or why not ?
37
VOCABULARY –
Across Five Aprils,
“Chapter Eight” – pages 119-127
www.quia.com/jg/__________.html
1 plummeted (125)
2 obscurity (125)
3 dissuaded (126)
38
Questions & Quotes
Across Five Aprils –
“Chapter Eight” – pages 119-127
INQUIRY
1
How much time has passed since
the story started? How old is
Jethro now? How has Jethro
changed?
2
Why do over twenty men travel
to the Creightons; in
September? What gift does
Burlow send? Why does Burlow
do this?
3
What battle is the “baptismal”
one for Shad (p. 124) How??
4
Why does Jethro have to force
himself to be quiet as he listens
to discussion of the war?
5
Shadrach writes in a letter that
“the men in the Army of the
Potomac do not cheer General
Burnside.” Why not??
6
Why are there so many
deserters? What do you think
should happen to them? What
do you think will happen to them?
7
What would be a good title for
Chapter Eight?
RESPONSE
39
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Across Five Aprils, “Chapter Eight” – pages 119-127
Vocabulary:
plummeted (125) – to drop steeply and suddenly downward
obscurity (125) – a state of being unknown or inconspicuous
dissuaded (126) – to persuade somebody not to do something or not
to believe, think or feel something
Questions:
1) One and a half years, 10 years old, Answers will vary.
2) To build a barn; a load of cut wood; He wants to show he is sorry
for all the tragedies of the Creightons and he knows Ross Milton
will deliver the logs and the right message.
3) Antietam; It was his first experience under fire.
4) He doesn’t agree with things the men say but he knows that a
boy has no right to contradict a man’s opinion.
5) He directed a cruel, futile battle in which thousands lost their
lives crossing the Rappahannock.
6) The men are disillusioned, there is no end to the war in sight,
Answers will vary.
7) Answers will vary.
Discussion:
Author’s
CraftConflict
As is true in real life, the characters in novels face many conflicts.
When two people or forces struggle over the same thing, conflict
occurs. The excitement in novels develops from the use of the
three main types of conflict: (1) person against person; (2) person
against nature or society; and (3) person against himself or herself.
Use a chart similar to the one below to help your students
remember some of the conflicts from the novel.
CONFLICT
Discussion:
Questions
for Thought
DESCRIPTION
TYPE
RESOLUTION
Do you think the author has successfully intervoven facts of history
and fiction? What might be the advantage of presenting a
historical period as fiction instead of textbook prose?
Have you , like Jethro, ever made a difficult decision without
consulting parents – in order to spare them?
40
VOCABULARY –
Across Five Aprils,
“Chapter Nine” – pages 128-137
www.quia.com/jg/__________.html
1 deserters (128)
2 forays (128)
3 Gangrenous (129)
4 antagonized (133)
5 tethered (133)
6 credence (135)
7 audible (136)
41
Questions & Quotes
Across Five Aprils –
“Chapter Nine” – pages 128-137
INQUIRY
1
Why is Hig Phillips hated by so
many people? What happens to
him?
2
What is going on at Point
Prospect campground and why
are people afraid to approach it?
3
Why does Nancy close her use
completely and stay with Matt
and Ellen?
4
Why do the Federal Registrars
come to the Creightons’ house?
5
Why do the Federal Registrars
make fun of Jethro’s speech?
How does it make him feel?
6
Why don’t the Federal
Registrars go to Point Prospect
to get the deserters?
7
How does Eb contact Jethro?
What does Eb want from
Jethro?
RESPONSE
42
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Across Five Aprils, “Chapter Nine” – pages 128-137
Vocabulary:
deserters (128) – a member of the armed forces who leaves his or
her post without permission and does not intend to go back
forays (128) – a sudden attack or raid
gangrenous (129) – description of the effect of local death and
decay of soft tissues of the body
antagonized (133) – to cause a person or animal to be hostile
tethered (133) – to tie an animal with a rope to restrict its
movements
credence (135) – acceptance based on the degree to which
something is believed
audible (136) – loud or clear enough to be heard
Questions:
1) Deserters have congregated here and might fire on informers.
2) He paid his way out of the draft; he is murdered.
3) She is frightened by desperadoes such as those who killed Hig
Phillips.
4) They are looking for Ebenezer Carron who had lived with the
Creightons since he was 10 years old.
5) They are city men probably from up North. They laugh about
Jethro’s southern Illinois drawl and his backwoods diction.
6) They are afraid and don’t want to be shot.
7) Eb gives a wild turkey call from the woods near where Jethro is
plowing; he says he wants to hear about the family.
Discussion:
Cause/Effect
Chart
When examining the reason for events in a story, we often find
that: (a) one cause has several results, or (b) several causes lead
to the same result.
Help students understand cause/effect with a chart similar to the
one on page 44.
43
CAUSE/EFFECT CHART
How does the Civil War affect the Creighton family?
CAUSE
South
secedes
from
Union
Think about why the Creightons act as they do. Organize
some of these reasons (causes) within the map below.
Bill and John have different opinions about
loyalty totheir country.
Bill joins Confederate
troops; John chooses
the Union
44
VOCABULARY –
Across Five Aprils,
“Chapter Nine, pages 138-147
www.quia.com/jg/__________.html
1 interminable (144)
2 impudent (144)
3 intrude (146)
4 forfeiture (147)
45
Questions & Quotes
Across Five Aprils –
“Chapter Nine” – pages 138-147
INQUIRY
1
RESPONSE
Why did Eb desert the army?
What other choices did he have?
2
Do you think Jethro is right in
not telling his family about Eb?
Why or why not?
3
To whom does Jethro write for
advise about Eb? What answer
does he get?
4
How do you think Jethro’s family
will react to the letter from the
President? How do you think
they will treat Eb?
5
What do you think will become of PREDICTION:
Eb now?
6
Does Eb’s dilemma remind you of
any faced by other characters
you have met in books or films?
Name at least one.
7
What do you think would be a
good title for Chapter Nine?
Journal – Week Three
Across Five Aprils –
46
Imagine you are Jethro and write a journal entry for the
day when the government officials came to your home.
Describe the event and write about your thoughts and
feelings on that day.
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
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47
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Across Five Aprils, “Chapter Nine” – pages 138-147
Vocabulary:
interminable (144) – so long and boring or frustrating as to seem
endless
impudent (144) – rude, showing a lack or respect and excessive
boldness
intrude (146) – to disturb somebody’s peace or privacy
forfeiture (147) – something that has been taken away or has had
to be given up as a penalty for breaking a law or contract
Questions:
1) The armies had a battle and Eb had to bury dead soldiers. He
just left and he did not have too many choices because deserter
camps were awful.
2) Answers will vary..
3) Jethro writes to Lincoln; Lincoln reveals that he has decided to
let deserters return to their posts without punishment.
4) Answers will vary.
5) Answers will vary.
6) Answers will vary.
7) Answers will vary.
Discussion:
Author’s
Craft - Plot
Plot is the author’s way of presenting the important
events of a story.
Visualizing the plot of a story helps the students
develop knowledge of text structure, improve
comprehension, help with retelling the story in summary
fashion, and enhances students’ knowledge of the art of
composing a good story.
Plot usually consists of an initial conflict, rising action,
climax, falling action, and resolution.
Using the form on page 49 or your own more realistically
drawn mountain, help students plot the story thus far,
or concentrate on the plot for this chapter only.
48
PLOT DIAGRAM MOUNTAIN
Climax
Rising Action
Initiating Conflict
Falling Action
Resolution
49
VOCABULARY –
Across Five Aprils,
“Chapter Ten” – pages 148-159
www.quia.com/jg/1129200.html
1 arrogant (148)
2 contemptuous (148)
3 onslaught (148)
4 besieged (150)
5 discredited (151)
6 verified (151)
7 incoherent (152)
8 pandemonium (152)
50
Questions & Quotes
Across Five Aprils –
“Chapter Ten” – pages 148-159
INQUIRY
1
Who wins the Battle of
Chancellorsville? Which of the
characters in the story is there?
2
How is Eb treated by the other
soldiers when he returns to the
war? How does he feel about
being back?
3
Which character is seriously
wounded at Gettysburg? Why is
he in Washington?
4
Why does Matt Creighton allow
Jenny to go to Washington to
see Shad?
5
Do you think Jenny and her
parents made the right decision
for her to marry at 16? Why or
Why not?
6
Do you think that Shad, Eb, and
John will return from the war or
die of injuries or in battle?
7
What would be a good title for
Chapter Ten?
RESPONSE
PREDICTION
51
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Across Five Aprils, “Chapter Ten” – pages 148-159
Vocabulary:
arrogant (148) – feeling or showing proud self-importance and
contempt or disregard for others
contemptuous (148) – feeling, expressing or demonstrating a strong
dislike or utter lack of respect
onslaught (148) – a powerful attack or force that overwhelms
besieged (150) – to surround a city or stronghold with armed
forces
discredited (151) – to harm the reputation of
verified (151) – to prove that something is true
incoherent (152) – lacking clarity or organization
pandemonium (152) – a place or situation that is noisy and chaotic
Questions:
1) The Confederates; Shad is there.
2) Some of the soldiers criticize him, but he accepts that he must
“take it” and is relieved to be back, although the heat, dirt, and
work are hard.
3) Shad; He is brought from Gettysburg to Washington, D.C. where
his aunt lives.
4) Ross Milton convinces him it is the thing to do. It might help
save Shad’s life.
5) Answers will vary.
6) Answers will vary.
7) Answers will vary.
Discussion:
Questions
for Thought
How is the new teacher different from Shad? Why doesn’t Matt
make Jethro go to school?
Have you ever felt anything like the way Jenny must have felt as
she traveled toward Washington, not knowing whether Shad was
dead or alive?
52
VOCABULARY –
Across Five Aprils,
“Chapter Eleven” – pages 160-173
www.quia.com/jg/1129200.html
1 prominence (161)
2 provender (162)
3 vindictiveness (165)
4 amnesty (165)
5 deluded (165)
6 relegated (165)
7 invective (166)
53
Questions & Quotes
Across Five Aprils –
“Chapter Eleven” – pages 160-173
INQUIRY
1
What happens at Missionary
Ridge? Who gives a first-hand
account of how it was scaled by
Union troops?
2
How do Jethro and Matt
Creighton feel about Lincoln?
3
Of what political party is
President Lincoln a member?
4
For which presidential candidate
do most of the soldiers vote?
Which Northern states do not
give most of the vote to Lincoln?
5
How do the Creightons learn that
Bill is still alive?
6
Explain: “Bill wants that I shood
tell you this – he was not at
Pittsburg Landing. That bullet
was not fired by him …”
7
What would be a good title for
Chapter Eleven?
RESPONSE
54
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Across Five Aprils, “Chapter Eleven” – pages 160-173
Vocabulary:
prominence (161) – significantly important or well-known
provender (162) – food for livestock
vindictiveness (165) – looking for revenge or done through a desire
for revenge
amnesty (165) – a general pardon
deluded (165) – firmly believing in something untrue or unreal
relegated (165) – demote to a less important position or status
invective (166) – an abusive expression
Questions:
1) John tells how the Union troops went yelling up the slope and
broke the center of the Confederate line, forcing Bragg to treat.
2) They respect and love him.
3) Republican.
4) Lincoln – Kentucky, Delaware, and New Jersey do not give their
vote to Lincoln.
5) John writes that he has found Bill among the Rebel prisoners.
6) Bill wants his mother to know that he did not kill his brother
Tom.
7) Answers will vary.
Discussion:
Questions
for Thought
What were the prisoner of war camps like during the Civil War?
Why did so many prisoners die? What do you think will happen to
Bill and John?
What is the proclamation of amnesty and how do people react to it?
(The proclamation gave pardon and full rights to any Confederate
who would swear to protect the Constitution and the Union;
Confederate state could return to the Union when 10% of its voters
reestablished a loyal Union government. The North considers that
Lincoln’s proclamation “was little better than treason … and many
people began to consider it high patriotism to talk of the coming
wholesale execution of rebels.” “In the South the Confederate
Congress cried out that if the Washington government called for
restoration of the Union it was merely setting a cruel trap for the
deluded … that it would mean personal and public degradation and
ruin.”)
Why do you think people reacted this way?
55
VOCABULARY –
Across Five Aprils,
“Chapter Twelve” – pages 174-188
www.quia.com/jg/1129200.html
1 tenacity (176)
2 degradation (179)
3 imminence (179)
4 bigots (180)
5 ratified (180)
6 pawns (180)
7 exploiters (180)
8 serenity (183)
56
Questions & Quotes
Across Five Aprils –
“Chapter Twelve” – pages 174-188
INQUIRY
1
What happens on Sherman’s
march through Georgia? Why
are some people critical on the
“picnic” the Union soldiers have
along the way? What is your
opinion of the way they act?
2
Why are Jethro’s parents
warried about him?
3
How does Ross Milton “rip up his
[Jethro’s] dream of peace”?
4
When is peace declared?
Where? How long has the war
lasted?
5
What tragedy happens to make
that “fifth April … a time of
grief and desolation”?
6
What are Shad’s plans for
himself and for Jethro? How
does Shad try to convince
Jethro that it is all right to give
up his responsibilities on the
farm? Do you think Jethro will
be convinced?
7
What would be a good title for
Chapter Twelve?
RESPONSE
57
Journal – Week Four
Across Five Aprils –
Irene Hunt obtained much of her story about the
Creighton family from listening to her own grandfather’s
memories of growing up during the Civil War. Think
about a story that you have heard from an older member
of the family or perhaps an older member of the church.
Write the story here in your own words. Why does this
story stick in your mind?
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
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58
Answer Key and Discussion Leads (TE)
Across Five Aprils, “Chapter Twelve” – pages 174-188
Vocabulary:
tenacity (176) – very determined or stubborn
degradation (179) – great humiliation
imminence (179) – about to occur
bigots (180) – someone who has very strong opinions and refuses to
accept different views
ratified (180) – formally approve something
pawns (180) – someone who is held as security, hostage
exploiters (180) – to take selfish or unfair advantage of a person
serenity (183) –calm, untroubled, without worry
Questions:
1) Sherman’s army sacks, loots, and burns; many feel that the
pillaging is wrong and will make it even harder for the North and
South to heal their wounds. Answers will vary.
2) He has grown more reserved and serious. Jethro’s parents worry
that they will lose him as they lost Bill.
3) He points out how long and hard the road to healing will be.
4) Terms of peace are signed at Appomattox Court House, Virginia;
April, 1865; 4 years.
5) Lincoln is assassinated.
6) Shad wants to go back to college and to have Jethro come to live
with him and Jenny while Jethro continues his studies; Shad points
out that EWb and John can help on the farm and that John wants
Jethro to get an education so Jethro can help his boys get one.
Answers will vary.
7) Answers will vary.
Discussion:
Questions
for Thoughts
How do Jethro’s feelings about war change during the book? Why
do you think they change?
Discussion:
Author’s
Craft Letters
Many letters appear in this novel. Why do you think the author
included these letters? What devices did the author use to make
these letters seem authentic?
How has this book expanded what you think of when you hear the
phrase “Civil War”? Has it changed any of your attitudes about war
in general, for example, your feelings about deserters or about the
right of the “winners” to extract revenge against the “losers”?
59
Concluding Activities
Across Five April
Choose an activity or activities as indicated by
your teacher.
1. Complete the Novel Test (pages 62-68)
2. Summarize the story by making a collage of key characters,
pictures or symbols, and important words.
3. Create an illustrated time line on which you mark the key
events of the story.
4. Change three things in this novel and write about how the
changes would make a difference in the novel. Be prepared
to present your explanations to your classmates.
5. What did you learn about the Civil War that you did not
know before reading this novel? Write three paragraphs to
share this information.
6. Select one character who is alive at the end of the novel
and write a short epilogue to the story from that
character’s point of view. You could also choose to write a
skit to enact for the class.
7. Using a diagram similar to the one found on page 61, write
down free-associate thoughts about the novel after you
have finished it.
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Setting
Point of
View
Characters
ACROSS
FIVE
APRILS
Possible
Themes
Conflicts
Author’s
Style and
Tone
ACROSS FIVE APRILS
NOVEL TEST
61
PART 1: TRUE OR FALSE
Label each statement T for True and F for False. If a statement is false,
change it to make it true.
1
Jethro is a nine-year-old farm boy from Illinois when the story
begins.
2
Shad, a teacher, is Jethro’s older brother.
3
Jethro’s sister Mary died of typhoid.
4
Confederates fired the war’s first shots at Ft. Sumter.
5
Bill blames both sides, but will fight for the South.
6
Pa would let Jenny get married, bu Ma thinks she is too young.
7
Shad, Tom, John, and Eb join the Union army.
8
Ross Milton, editor of the county paper, gives Jethro a book
about slavery.
9
When Jethro found out where Eb was hiding, Jethro told his
father.
10
The capital of the Confederacy was Richmond, Virginia.
11
Slavery was abolished by the thirteenth amendment.
12
The Civil War lasted five years.
PART 2: MATCHING
Find a character mentioned on the left who matches the description on the
right. Write the letter of the character next to the matching number.
Each character is to be used only once.
A
Jethro
1
She married the schoolmaster Jethro
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B
Ellen
2
C
Matt
3
D
Jenny
4
E
Mary
5
F
Eb
6
G
Bill
7
H
John
8
I
Nancy
9
J
Cousin
Wilse
Dave
Burlow
Guy
Wortman
10
Ross
Milton
Sam
Gardiner
Shad
13
K
L
M
N
O
idolized
Ellen’s slave-owning nephew from
Kentucky
A trouble-maker who harassed the
Creightons because Bill had joined the
Confederate Army
He wrote home to say that he had found
Bill among the “reb prisoners” he was
supposed to help feed.
She lost three of her children in the
same week to typhoid and later another
to war.
the schoolmaster, he has great respect
for Lincoln.
At age 9, he found the prospect of war
exciting; he knew better by age 14.
Jethro’s favorite brother, he joined the
Confederate army.
The father of the boy responsible for
Mary’s death, he saved Jethro’s life and
sent wood for the barn.
“Red,” the straight-talking editor of the
county newspaper
11
Jethro’s cousin and a deserter from the
Union army
12
She was killed when one of the Burlow
boys deliberately frightened the horses
pulling her carriage
He ran the store in Newton and gave
Jethro a free scoop of gumdrops
14
John’s quiet wife, she talked with
Jethro
15
He kept a mob from hanging the boy who
killed Mary
PART 3: MULTIPLE CHOICE
To the left of each item number, write the number of the BEST response.
1
The story is set in
A. Alabama between 1776 and 1780
B. Kentucky between 1804 and 1808
C. Virginia between 1812 and 1816
D. Illinois between 1861 and 1865
63
2
Which of these words does NOT describe Jethro?
A. hard-working
B. loves learning
C. afraid of nothing
D. loyal to hisfamily
3
When Jethro first heard adults talking about the prospect of
war starting, he felt mostly
A. excited
B. frightened
C. angry
D. saddened
4
Looking back on how his father kept the mob from hanging his
sister’s killer, nine-year-old Jethro felt mostly
A. proud of his father
B. afraid of the mob
C. angry with his father
D. hatred for the mob
5
Who said, “…the North has become arrogant toward the South.
The high-tariff industrialists would sooner hev the South starve
than give an inch that might cost them a penny”?
A. Dave Burlow
B. Wilse Graham
C. Red Milton
D. Guy Wortman
6
The main reason that Bill finally decided to join the Confederate
side was that
A. his brother John had done so
B. he felt the North should not control the South
C. the Creightons were from Kentucky
D. he believed in slavery
7
If Bill had joined the Union Army, which of the following events
probably would NOT have happened?
A. Shad’s enlistment as a Union soldier
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B. John’s decision to join the Union army
C. Eb’s desertion
D. the burning of the Creighton’s barn
8
Which of the following best describes the attitude toward
suffering Jethro learned from his mother?
A. the strong protest; the weak suffer in silence
B. most suffering is unnecessary
C. those who live by the Bible need not suffer
D. the hardships one endures have a purpose
9
Jethro’s mother developed a bad headache because she
A. had a life-threatening illness
B. needed eyeglasses
C. had stopped drinking coffee
D. was upset by the news of Tom’s death
10
Dave Burdow waited in the dark for Jethro to
A. protect Jethro from Guy Wortman
B. frighten Jethro
C. steal Jethro’s horse
D. apologize for Mary’s death
11
Red Milton gave Jethro the book so that Jethro could learn
A. the causes of the Civil War
B. how to become a newspaper editor
C. how to read
D. how to speak “proper” English
Matt had to take over many of the farm chores after
A. his father went to war
B. his father had an attack
C. his mother had a baby
D. Nancy came to live with the Creightons
12
13
The main reason Wortman finally stopped bothering the
Creightons was that
A. their son Tom died fighting for the Union
B. he was afraid of the Creightons’ dog
C. Wortman himself began having doubts about Lincoln
D. Sam Gardiner shot him in the backside with buckshot
65
14
A barn-raising was held to build a new barn for the Creightons,
and __________ sent a load of logs.
A. Dave Burdow
B. Red Milton
C. Sam Gardiner
D. Guy Wortman
15
Hig Phillips was killed because he
A. caused the death of Jethro’s sister
B. fought on the confederate side
C. bought his way out of the draft
D. deserted from the Army
16
When Jethro wrote to Lincoln about Eb, Lincoln revealed that he
was about to call for
A. the end of the war
B. an end to the draft
C. the execution of all deserters
D. amnesty for deserters
17
Jenny took a train ride to Washington, DC
A. to speak to Lincoln about amnesty
B. to be with Shad after his injury
C. to start her job as an Army nurse
D. tosee if she could find Bill
Lincoln was assassinated shortly
A. after being re-elected for a second term
B. before the election he hoped to win
C. before the end of the Civil War
D. before his son Will died
18
19
Bill told John to let his parents know that Bill was not at
Pittsburg Landing so that they
A. would know that he could never come home again
B. would know that he did not kill his brother Tom
C. would think that he had joined the Union Army
D. would not be able to trace his whereabouts
20
After the war ended, Jethro most likely chose to
66
A.
B.
C.
D.
stay on at the farm and help his parents
move in with Shad and Jenny and continue his studies
move in with John and Nancy and help raise his nephews
move North so that he could attend a New England college
67
The last two sections of the test require written responses. Please write
your responses on separate sheets of paper and attach them to the test. Be
sure to label them with your name and the correct letters form each section
that you have chosen to address.
PART 4: ANALYSIS
Select A or B and circle the letter of the question you decide to answer.
Answer in one well-organized paragraph.
A. Bill does not think that slavery is right, but he joins the Confederate
Army. Explain how he reaches his decision. Provide at least three
reasons.
B. Jethro thinks that war is an exciting prospect at the beginning. By
the end of the story his attitude toward war has changed. Describe
the change and provide at least three reasons for it.
PART 5: CRITICAL AND CREATIVE THINKING
Select C or D and circle the letter of the question you decide to answer.
Give a complete through answer.
C. You are Jethro. After John writes home about seeing Bill among the
injured rebel soldiers, you decide to write to Bill. Tell him what has
been happening since you saw him last and what your hopes are for the
future.
D. Describe on of the nightmares Jethro has. Include details about the
war and about his family life that might “haunt” him.
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Answer Key for Novel Test
Across Five Aprils
Part 1: True or False
1-T; 2-F (Jethro’s teacher and future brother-in-law); 3-F (She died
because drunken Travis Burdow frightened the horses which overturned the
cart she was in); 4-T; 5-T; 6-F (Ma would agree but Pa thinks she is too
young); 7-T, 8-F (about English usage); 9-F (he bought him food, and kept
it a secret from the rest of the family); 10-T; 11-T; 12-F (four)
Part 2: Matching
1-D; 2-J; 3-L; 4-H; 5-B; 6-O; 7-A; 8-G; 9-K; 10-M; 11-F; 12-E; 13-N;
14-I, 15-C
Part 3: Multiple Choice
1-D; 2-C; 3-A; 4-C; 5-B; 6-B; 7-D; 8-D; 9-C; 10-A, 11-D;
12-B; 13-D; 14-A; 15-C; 16-D; 17-B; 18-A; 19-B; 20-B
Part 4 & 5: Analysis, Critical and Creative Thinking
A. Answers will vary. Three possible reasons: He feels that the war is
more about the greed of Northerners, who want higher tariffs, than
about slavery. As he listens to Cousin Wilse, he becomes more and
more convinced that the North will ruin the economy of the South.
He thinks that slavery is wrong but feels that Wilse is right – each
state should choose for itself.
B. Answers will vary. Possiblities: He realizes that war is complex and
bloody, not exciting and risk-free. Tom is killed, Eb is driven to
desertion, Shad is injured. “Military “heroes” show human flaws –
pomposity, errors in judgment
C. Answers will vary. The letter might mention Tom’s death, Eb’s
desertion, Pa’s sickness, Shad’s marriage, Jethro’s wish that Bill could
come home.
D. Answers will vary. The dream might contain images of Mary’s death,
the death’s of the three little boys, Pa’s illness, the burning of the
barn.
69