Crispin: The Cross of Lead. By Avi. Hyperion Books for Children, 2002. 272 pages. Tr. $15.99 ISBN 978-0786808281
Summary: Avi’s Newbery award-winning novel vividly recreates fourteenth-century England. Here a thirteen-year-old nameless boy’s life dramatically alters when his mother dies. Without relatives, Asta’s Son turns to his only friend, the village priest. Father Quinel presents him with his mother’s engraved cross, and tells him that his name is Crispin. He promises that he will identify Crispin’s father, however, before he can do this he is murdered by Aycliffe, Lord Furnival’s steward. The latter also falsely accuses Crispin with stealing, forcing him to flee the village. Homeless and friendless, Crispin travels blindly until he meets Bear, a former priest, now traveling jester, who hires Crispin as his servant.
Critical Review: Tween historical aficionados will cherish the first book in the Crispin series. There are very few books with male primary characters. This book will engage both male and female readers. Crispin grows up nameless without the knowledge of his father. At the end of the book he finally has a name behind the mystery: Lord Furnival. The novel is rife with mystery, adventure, history, politics and friendship. Initially Bear is quite demeaning to Crispin, however, with time a friendship develops. In an age when only the wealthy were literate, Bear is a rarity. Under Bear’s tutelage, Crispin learns to read and kindles a love for learning. Bear also introduces Crispin with political rebels, like John Ball, an authentic historical actor who organized the Peasant Rebellion of 1391.
Genre: Historical Fiction; Adventure
Reading/Interest Level: 10-14 years
Awards: Michael L. Printz Award, 2003; Newbery Award, 2003; American Library Association Notable Books for Children, 2003
Reviews: Books in Canada (2003, March 1); Publishers Weekly (2002, June 3); Voice of Youth Advocates (2002, June 1); School Library Journal (2002, June 1); Booklist (2002, May 15)
Series: The Crispin Series
Similar Materials: Marguerite De Angeli’s The Door in the Wall
Subjects/Themes: Medieval England; orphans and foster homes; peasantry; poverty; priests; illiteracy; servants; jesters; feudalism; self-esteem; self reliance
Character Names: Crispen (Asta’s Son); Bear; John Aycliffe (Lord Furnival’s steward); John Ball; Father Quinel; Widow Daventry
Brief Annotation: In the fist book in the Crispin series, a thirteenth-century English orphan boy learns of his true identity.
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