What is the author's style in Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt?

Based on family stories of her grandfather, who was a boy during the Civil War, Irene Hunt writes Across Five Aprils as told in third person from the point of view of nine-year old Jethro Creighton. Through his memories, thoughts and conversation, we learn of the history of his family. Through conversations with family members and overheard talk of men folk, Jethro's thoughts tell us of the political opinions and changes during an important part of American history.