April Morning

April Morning is a historical fiction work by Howard Fast, a prolific author whose writings spanned the bulk of the 20th century. Published in 1961, midway through Fast’s career, the novel is one of many he wrote on the Revolutionary War and the birth of America. Originally intended for a general audience, it came to be regarded as a young adult novel as many middle and high school English programs included it in their curriculum, due to its historical accuracy and coming-of-age theme. April Morning was adapted into a made-for-TV movie starring Tommy Lee Jones in 1988. Other Howard Fast works adapted into movies include Freedom Road, The Crossing, and Spartacus.

Plot Summary

April Morning begins with 15-year-old protagonist Adam Cooper doing chores in Lexington, Massachusetts, on his parents’ farm. He argues and clashes with his entire family, including his brother Levi, his mother Sarah, Granny, and above all, his father Moses. Adam feels his father is too hard on him and does not love him.

That evening Adam goes on a walk with Ruth Simmons, his second cousin. They have been romantically inclined toward one another for several years now.