Type of bind: Hardcover
Format: Bargain Price
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 262
Printing Date: June 03, 2002
Sale Popularity Level: 370750
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
The prizewinning title set during the Peasants' Revolt.
Amazon.com Review:
Genre-jumping author Avi clocks in here with his 50th book, Crispin: The Cross of Lead, an action-packed historical narrative that follows the frantic flight of a 13-year-old peasant boy across 14th-century England.
After being declared a 'wolf's head' by his manor's corrupt steward for a crime he didn't commit (meaning that anyone can kill him like a common animal--and collect a reward), this timid boy has to flee a tiny village that's the only world he's ever known. But before our protagonist escapes, Avi makes sure that we're thoroughly briefed on the injustices of feudalism--the countless taxes cottars must pay, the constant violence, the inability of a flawed church to protect its parishioners, etc. Avi then folds in the book's central mystery just as the boy is leaving: 'Asta's son,' as he's always been known, learns from the village priest that his Christian name is Crispin, and that his parents' origins--and fates--might be more perplexing than he ever imagined.
Providing plenty of period detail (appropriately gratuitous for the age group) and plenty of chase-scene suspense, Avi tells a good story, develops a couple of fairly compelling characters, and even manages to teach a little history lesson. (Fortunately, kids won't realize that they're learning about England's peasant revolt of 1381 until it's far too late.) (Ages 10 to 14) --Paul Hughes
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers -
To be perfectly honest, I've never been a huge fan of the whole medieval thing (beyond blatant fantasy). But I love Avi and I feel this is well-deserving of its Newberry. It keeps this low-key, almost grave, aura all the way through. Crispin's adventures are a lot of fun, and it fits into his world of serfdom.
The characters are great, as well. Avi has always done marvelous characters. They're realistic, not always wild, but fun and loveable and most of all believable.
Plenty of adventure and great writing.
Rated by buyers 
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'Crispin, The Cross of Lead" is a story about a young orphan boy set in 1300th century England who runs away from his small village because he is falsely accused of stealing from the ruler. 'Crispin' soon finds a unique guardian who adopts him and helps him run away from the people who are hunting him down, and also helps him to figure out all the secrets he has about his life.
This book was very slow for me in the beginning, and with some big words and complicated things in it, this book is probably suited to older teens and adults. In the middle/end of the book however, they're are some exciting things...but they don't really last for long. All in all, Avi has created some unique and funny characters, and has created a story that is a medium-paced tale.
Rated by buyers -
I've read Crispin more than once and I've loved it! This book shows friendship and adventure as well as teaching you a bit about History. Don't just quit on the book because the begining might not seem the greatest as soon as the intro to the story is over it's all about excitment.
Rated by buyers 
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Let's see, what else can be said here that isn't already said? Crispin is easily (and consistently) summarized as it is a simple story, clearly told, that hangs an intriguing and imaginative tale on a skeleton of a few basic facts. The scene and scenary are actually quite foreign to the modern child, but Avi's delivery renders 14th century England in the times of Edward (sounds knowledgeable, doesn't it?), feudal rule, and the Black Death accessible. Those days sucked. Against this backdrop we are introduced to a sad and seemingly helpless orphan who meets his circumstances with a mix of terror, courage, cunning, and happenstance. Crispin fights to stay alive and escape from those who would unjustly kill him, and he meets a friend and protector in the process. The two journey to the city of Great Wexley for what turn out to be a showdown. As can be expected, the plot builds to an exciting and "unbelieveable" climax, and keeps the reader entertained and engaged along the way.
I read this one aloud to my pre-teen kids and they loved it. I don't know if they captured the sense of how miserable life at that time was, because the book sugar coats things a bit (although the observant reader's skin will crawl with the sensation of fleas and filth).
This is my very first Avi book and I loved it. Highly recommended.
Rated by buyers -
I used this for our daily read aloud. When it was time to stop for the day, but I kept reading, no one minded or asked me to stop. Hmmm, now that I think about it, even the neighbor girl kept mysteriously appearing about the time I read every day! The writer hooks you from the very start. He uses detail, but not so much it bogs down the story. A very enjoyable read!
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