Newbery's -- Crispin; the Cross of Lead 2003

4/15/2008

Avi , Crispin, Cross of Dead, Hyperion, Newbery Award, 2003

In fourteenth-century England a nameless thirteen-year-old peasant boy, who thought he had little to lose, finds himself with even less. Accused of a crime he did not commit, he has been declared a "wolf's head," meaning that anyone can kill him on sight. To remain alive the boy must flee his tiny village, taking with him only his newly revealed name -- Crispin -- and his mother's cross of lead. The new friend, Bear, helps and travels with Crispin, but it is sonnclear that he has his own affairs to hide.

This book is told in the first person from the boys point of view and is an exciting Historical Fiction or Adventure genre book. It is most suitable to ages 10 and up. Students who are familiar with the Middle Ages might appreciate the setting, the old patterns of speech and some of the words used back then but not in our time. It is a quick read and will keep the pages turning right until the surprise conclusion.

Reviewed by Kristen P.