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Crispin : The Cross of Lead (Newbery Medal Book)
by Authors:
Avi
Hardcover Description:
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
Average Customer Rating:
Cripin and the Cross of Lead
One dark and rainy night Asta's son and the priest are burying Asta. Asta's son has to pay a death tax to the steward of an ox. Him being poor he does not have one. He hides, but is found and is declared a Wolf's Head. He's told by the priest to meet him the next day, but the priest is slaughtered. Asta's son is told his real name is Crispin and he has a cross of lead. He leaves the town and finds a rundown town where he meets Bear. Bear a is huge, talented, bald man and asks alot of questions. Bear teaches Crispin how to play the recorder which he needs later on. Bear and Crispin travel to many towns playing instruments for money. They come to a big town called, Great Wexly, where they stay at Bear's friend's house. Bear gets kidnapped but Crispin rescues him. Aycliffe fights Crispin but Bear grabs Aycliffe and kills him.
I give Crispin and the Cross of Lead a 5/5. It kept you at the edge of seat and waiting for more. If you like books with killing, chases, and fights to the death then I recommend this book. It always seems that anything could happen next.
Crispin and the Cross of Lead
Crispin and the Cross of Lead by Avi. Asta's son is the name of a boy that is thirteen years old and lives in London during the 14th century. His real name is Crispin. He is very poor and lives in a small town with his mom until she dies. He is accused of murder and stealing. Now he is declared a wolf's head, which means anyone, anywhere can kill him. Crispin flees the town and runs into a person named Bear. Bear becomes Crispin's master. The two are being chased by the person who wants to kill Crispin. What more can go wrong? Read this book and find out.
I gave this book 4 stars because it kept my attention and made me want to read more. This book is great because it was exciting, suspenseful and unpredictable. There were great characters and a great plot. I think the author did a great job of getting your attention and holding it. The author also did a great job of keeping you guessing. Overall, it was just an awesome book.
Crispin
Crispin is a thirteen year old boy whose mother just died, and has run away after being declared a "wolf's head". This means that he can be killed on sight, by anyone or anywhere. He meets a man named Bear who is an juggler. Bear takes Crispin as his servant and teaches him how to juggle and play the flute. Crispin and Bear make their way to Great Wexly, but Bear gets captured by the government.
I enjoyed this book a lot. The author has very good ways to explain each setting, because there are so many. Even though this was not my favorite book, it was a very good one.
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Cripin and the Cross of Lead 
