Aprils in History

This comparative matching worksheet is designed for students in Grades 6 and 7 to deepen understanding of historical context, literary purpose, and analytical thinking through Across Five Aprils. Learners match key fictional moments from the novel to real Civil War events—such as the Emancipation Proclamation and Lincoln’s assassination—strengthening comprehension of how Irene Hunt weaves authentic history into a personal narrative that reflects national conflict and change.

Learning Goals

• Comparing Fictional & Historical Texts (Grades 6–7)
  Students align events from the novel with corresponding moments in Civil War history.
• Historical Context & Literary Purpose
  Learners analyze how real events shape characters, plot, and themes.
• Critical Thinking & Analysis
  Activities encourage evaluation of how history influences storytelling and meaning.
• Analytical Writing Extension
  Students explain how fiction can deepen emotional understanding of historical realities.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource
  Designed by educators to align with middle school ELA and history standards.
• Clear Matching Structure
  Makes complex history–literature connections accessible and engaging.
• Cross-Curricular Integration
  Supports coordinated instruction between language arts and social studies.
• Flexible Classroom Use
  Ideal for literature units, history tie-ins, homework, or assessment prep.
• Printable & No-Prep
  Ready for classroom or homeschool use with minimal preparation.

This Aprils in History worksheet helps students see how Across Five Aprils bridges personal experience and national history. By matching fictional scenes to real Civil War events and reflecting on their impact, learners strengthen historical awareness, literary analysis, and empathy. Whether used in an ELA classroom, a social studies lesson, or a homeschool humanities program, this printable resource provides meaningful practice connecting history and literature.

This worksheet is part of our Across Five Aprils collection.