ACROSS FIVE APRILS

Well-written and researched, Hunt's Newbery Honor Book, which tells the story of the Creighton family's troubles during the Civil War, has been popular for close to four decades. Hailing from southern Illinois, the family sees members go off to fight on both sides, then loses one of its own at Shiloh. Tom Stechschulte's voice is energetic and lively, ably affecting a country accent for all characters, the men being more convincing than the women. However, all are done cleanly and without caricature. His deep voice is a natural for a narrative that takes us on a journey of some four years. M.T.F. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 02]