The Crisis — Volume 05

"The Crisis — Volume 05" by Winston Churchill is a historical story set during the very start of the American Civil War. It mainly follows Stephen Brice as he deals with tough choices about family and what he thinks is right as the country falls apart. The story kicks off with everyone scared about the war starting, especially Stephen and his mom. When the fighting begins, Stephen has to decide if he should join the Union army or stay home to take care of his mom. The book feels uncertain and urgent, showing how war hurts families and how much pressure there is to join the fight. Churchill uses strong images and conversations to show how important these choices are, as people's beliefs are tested in a divided country.