Crispin: The Cross of Lead

Crispin: The Cross of Lead is an adventure story set during medieval times. Known for his entire life only as Asta’s son, Crispin doesn’t learn his true name until his mother’s death. Falsely accused of a theft, Crispin is declared a “Wolf’s Head” and has to run for his life to avoid immediate death. Finding a friend, Bear, on the road the two wander on searching for the answers of who Crispin’s father is and why Crispin is being hunted.

Crispin: The Cross of Lead was the March pick for the Kewaunee Youth Book Club. My 12-year old son Kile read this book on his own and loved it. He really likes adventure stories and the medieval time setting. He is a fan of The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, and the Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe series. There is no magic or fantasy in Crispin: The Cross of Lead, but it’s medieval time setting and adventure are intriguing to anyone who is a fan of those series. I read the book with my 9 (almost 10) year old son Daniel using the flip flop method, I read two pages and then he read two pages. Daniel did not love the story as much as Kile. He got into more as it progressed, but I think it was a bit intense for him with a violent murder at the beginning and Crispin fleeing for his life. Kile and I had long figured out who Crispin was and why they wanted him dead, but Daniel did not know. That kept him intrigued until the end of the book.

I liked that a side story in the book has Bear working on gaining freedom for all as England’s King Edward neared death. I love this time period of English history and also enjoy a good road trip book. I enjoyed it more than Daniel overall, as much as Kile did. I have heard of the author Avi but had never read any of his books before. I found it to be a very interesting book. It won the Newbury Medal in 2003. I just looked up the book and discovered there are sequels! I think I need to read on. I want to know if Bear ever gets his revolution started.

Favorite Quote:

“Bear used to catch the birds we ate: an unseen loop, pulled tight, until the unsuspecting birds were caught. Perhaps we now were those birds.”

Overall, Crispin: The Cross of Lead is a thrilling historical fiction, adventure, coming of age story. I and my 12-year old son enjoyed it. My almost 10-year old son was on the fence. It is a young adult novel so I think the intensity was a bit too much for my ten year old. I recommend it for fans of The Hobbit or the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Book Source: The Kewaunee Public Library

Crispin: The Cross of Lead is an adventure story set during medieval times. Known for his entire life only as Asta’s son, Crispin doesn’t learn his true name until his mother’s death. Falsely accused of a theft, Crispin is declared a “Wolf’s Head” and has to run for his life to avoid immediate death. Finding a friend, Bear, on the road the two wander on searching for the answers of who Crispin’s father is and why Crispin is being hunted.

Crispin: The Cross of Lead was the March pick for the Kewaunee Youth Book Club. My 12-year old son Kile read this book on his own and loved it. He really likes adventure stories and the medieval time setting. He is a fan of The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, and the Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe series. There is no magic or fantasy in Crispin: The Cross of Lead, but it’s medieval time setting and adventure are intriguing to anyone who is a fan of those series. I read the book with my 9 (almost 10) year old son Daniel using the flip flop method, I read two pages and then he read two pages. Daniel did not love the story as much as Kile. He got into more as it progressed, but I think it was a bit intense for him with a violent murder at the beginning and Crispin fleeing for his life. Kile and I had long figured out who Crispin was and why they wanted him dead, but Daniel did not know. That kept him intrigued until the end of the book.

I liked that a side story in the book has Bear working on gaining freedom for all as England’s King Edward neared death. I love this time period of English history and also enjoy a good road trip book. I enjoyed it more than Daniel overall, as much as Kile did. I have heard of the author Avi but had never read any of his books before. I found it to be a very interesting book. It won the Newbury Medal in 2003. I just looked up the book and discovered there are sequels! I think I need to read on. I want to know if Bear ever gets his revolution started.

Favorite Quote:

“Bear used to catch the birds we ate: an unseen loop, pulled tight, until the unsuspecting birds were caught. Perhaps we now were those birds.”

Overall, Crispin: The Cross of Lead is a thrilling historical fiction, adventure, coming of age story. I and my 12-year old son enjoyed it. My almost 10-year old son was on the fence. It is a young adult novel so I think the intensity was a bit too much for my ten year old. I recommend it for fans of The Hobbit or the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Book Source: The Kewaunee Public Library

This is a thrilling historical adventure tale and much more engaging than I could possibly have expected.

With its medieval setting and lost orphan premise I expected the emphasis to be on the historical angle, probably with a bit more life-of-a-peasant than I really wanted. Well, I'm a dope. What we actually got felt very much like a slightly younger reader version of Robert Louis Stevenson's "Kidnapped". There is intrigue, treachery, loyalty, mystery and action galore, but along the way we grow to like and admire Crispin and we share in his conflict and his growth as he learns to survive on the open road. While Crispin is untutored, he is alert and shrewd and as a result we get a strong and relatable hero.

The temptation for authors of this sort of historical fiction, I suspect, is to get a bit too authentic - tossing in odd vocabulary and unusual syntax and phrasing in order to medievalize the story. Avi avoids this, and while there is certainly color and background to the tale, and a fair degree of historical context, the writing is crisp, direct and to the point. This helps make the adventure both accessible and ripping for a younger reader. I was very happy with this as an adventure yarn that I suspect would have wide appeal.

This is a thrilling historical adventure tale and much more engaging than I could possibly have expected.

With its medieval setting and lost orphan premise I expected the emphasis to be on the historical angle, probably with a bit more life-of-a-peasant than I really wanted. Well, I'm a dope. What we actually got felt very much like a slightly younger reader version of Robert Louis Stevenson's "Kidnapped". There is intrigue, treachery, loyalty, mystery and action galore, but along the way we grow to like and admire Crispin and we share in his conflict and his growth as he learns to survive on the open road. While Crispin is untutored, he is alert and shrewd and as a result we get a strong and relatable hero.

The temptation for authors of this sort of historical fiction, I suspect, is to get a bit too authentic - tossing in odd vocabulary and unusual syntax and phrasing in order to medievalize the story. Avi avoids this, and while there is certainly color and background to the tale, and a fair degree of historical context, the writing is crisp, direct and to the point. This helps make the adventure both accessible and ripping for a younger reader. I was very happy with this as an adventure yarn that I suspect would have wide appeal.

I came across this book recently, hiding in my attic, an old purchase from a book fair at my local library. I'm glad I did. This is definitely an appropriate book for the intended audience- advanced readers age 10-13. I am definitely not that age range, I'm 30, but I still thought this book was lovely and really enjoyed it. I understand other reviewers mentions of a slow beginning and of characters not entirely fleshed out. But I think the book really met its purpose as a piece of historical fiction. While we might not know everything there is to know about Crispin, we do begin to understand the politics and deep entrenchment of religion in this time period (1377) which I think is more the point, the plot and adventure is appreciated, but I believe that's more just to drive these cultural points for readers to learn about this piece of history. I appreciated the historical note at the end of the story, because it drove these points home for me and made me appreciate the whole work more. On an emotional level, I loved the story of the relationship between Crispin and Bear, this is what made me connect to Crispin as a character, and this I felt was the most fleshed out in terms of the storyline. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.

Crispin: The Cross of Lead is an excellent book. I was really glad I read it. I borrowed it from the library. I would definitely like to buy it so I can reread it over and over again. It was almost impossible to put down and was an wonderful way to escape from my older sister.
I have to admit that I was not anxious to read it after I read some of the reviews left by other kids. Some found it too scary, and others found it too religious. I didn't want to read it at first and asked my mom to return it to the library. She pushed me to at least start reading it. I told her I'd read the first ten chapters and then decide if I wanted to finish it later or return it to the library. However, I actually read the first twenty chapters.
Crispin: The Cross of Lead is about a boy named Crispin. At the start of the book, he is known only by Asta's son. His mother, a serf who was an outcast in the village, dies, so the book begins with Crispin and the priest, Crispin's only friend, burying his mother. Crispin is outside when he sees the baliff and a strange man talking. He runs from him. The next day, Crispin is declared a Wolf's Head, which means anyone could and should kill him on sight, for a theft he didn't commit. The priest tells him that his mother could read and write, something no serf should be able to do. He gives Crispin his mother's cross. He also says he'll tell Crispin about his father the next night, when he will help Crispin prepare to run away. Crispin leaves. The next night he comes and is led into a trap. While running away from the trap, he discovers that someone murdered the priest. He runs and mets a man named Bear. Bear makes Crispin swear to be his servant. Together, the two go to the city of Great Wexly. Bear begins supicious activity which gets him kidnapped, and since Crispin and Bear grew fond of each other, Crispin goes to rescue him.
I personally thought that there wasn't a problem with it being religious. One kid who left a review said that Crispin was too religious and that it interupted the flow of the book. Another person said that the cross was not needed in the book. I don't agree with either of them. The cross is pretty major. It sends a huge plot twist into the story. If Crispin wasn't religious, I have no idea what would have happened in the story. I didn't feel that it interupted the story but I did think he could be a bit less religious.
One kid said it was too scary. Yes, there are scary bits, but they are over quickly.
I liked the book overall, but thought the ending could have been better. I recommend this book to eleven-year-olds and up who like adventure. I think Crispin: The Cross of Lead definitely earned the Newberry Award.

This story, set in medieval England, is about a 13-year-old illiterate boy is known throughout his short life only as “Asta’s son.” For unknown reasons, upon his mother’s death, a powerful man named John Aycliffe falsely accuses him of a crime and deems him a “wolf’s head,” which means that anyone can kill him. Additionally, a substantial reward is offered for finding him. With a bit of help, he flees his village, alone and afraid. He isn’t the most resourceful boy and so when he comes upon a gigantic, red-bearded man with the nickname Bear, he reluctantly accepts his demand that he become the meat-loving, musical man’s servant. Eventually, the two form a strong bond and learn each other’s secret, but in the process of doing so, they face grave danger. Best of the book is the ending, which involves selflessness on the part of both Bear and Crispin (the boy’s real name), as well as the time-specific customs (including non-stop religious references), dialogue, foods and implements incorporated into this historical fiction novel. It’s a quick read but also nice to experience in audio format. Also good: Kit’s Wilderness by David Almond, Wringer by Jerry Spinelli and The Conch Bearer byChitra Banerjee Divakaruni.

This story was exciting, filled with engaging and heroic characters, historic and colorful venues that gave us a peek into the desperate lives of serfs and the obscene wealth and cruelty of the ruling classes of the 14th century in England.

Crispin, more known as Asta's son to the villagers finds himself declared a wolf's head and was accused suddenly of a major theft and a murder. As he desperately makes his way through the rough 18th century medieval, he comes across a friend: a juggler named Bear.
Eventually the friendship, or more like apprenticeship, bonds them well, and they head toward the great Welxy for Bear's private "brotherhood business "as along the way, Crispin discovers quite a lot of intriguing events that leads him to suspect: is this "juggler" actually a trustworthy master he should be offered as friends with, or is he someone else... for he has the size and strength of a wild beast and has the sharp eyes always on the lookout of trouble.

As they draw closer to their destination, they begin to have a sudden suspicion: the steward of the town where Crispin ran away from was found with numbers of men guarding the only bridge to the city. Bear, somehow puts the two and two together and figures out Crispin's real identity: lord Funerval (a supposedly very wealthy and powerful landlord/lord who was rumored to have returned from the war and now has a very serious illness)'s son.

From there, the story really starts to ignite: the steward and his men, eventually tracks down Crispin, and manages in capturing Bear in the process. Determined to take bear back, Crispin askes the "brotherhood" for the location where Bear was taken to and earns out a little escort to the mansion of lord Funerval. Then, of course you have to read the actual book to find out! I am not a big fan of spoiling books and I would like to keep it that way. :)

In late 14th century England times are harsh for the common folk; desperate situations result in extreme measures and the people are spoiling for a rebellion against privileged nobility and corrupt clergy. The Great Plague recently wiped out much of the population, plus crippling weather conditions have yielded poor harvests and widespread starvation. Men in secret societies debate and ferment against exorbitant taxation and atrocities committed by the noble families upon people little better than slaves. But it takes great courage to undertake such sweeping social reforms and men have been hanged for much less.

A thirteen-year-old boy simply called "Asta's son" is swept up in great schemes beyond his control, when his scorned mother is buried and he finds himself unjustly branded both a thief--later a murderer--and a wolf's head: which means that he is to be considered living prey for any bounty hunter to capture and kill for a reward. The st arving, ragged boy is totally innocent, yet
he is clearly the object of some fiendish scheme. It is not what he has done but who he Is--even though he does not realize his highborn parentage. Forced to flee his hamlet of Stromford Village after the death of old Father Quinel--the only adult to befriend him--the boy is eventually captured by a giant bear of man, a strolling minstrel (also a secret spy for freedom). The only token of his former life and mysterious past consists of a cross of lead, given to those dying of the Black Death, with his highborn name inscribed on it.

Crispin, as he comes to call himself, learns many tricks of the trade from the rough and ready giant man: snaring birds, playing a pipe, simple juggling, to be observant, and to use a small weapon. Alas, he does not learn obedience to instructions.
When the fugitives arrive at Great Wexley, a Cathedral city, danger lurks around every corner, for there are those eager to betray both Bear and Crispin, for their own spiteful purposes. This coming-of-age tale reads quickly and captivates the interest from the start. Extensive dialogue carries the reader along on a current of what guessing what might happen.

The book includes a glossary of medieval terms used and a brief historical overview of the age, plus a short interview with AVI. Crispin's dreams (achieving his freedom, being his own man in a feudal society, and finding a father) make for swashbuckling reading, but his downtrodden spirit needs liberation as well. A delightful read for kids of all ages! Will the simple life of a jongleur suffice one who was to the manor born?

A thirteen-year-old boy named Crispin was always an outcast and so was his mother. He knew nothing about his father and didn't even know his own name until after his mother's death. The story takes place in England, after his mother dies Crispin runs a way for a little while but when but Crispin goes back to the only person who will even talk to him, Father Quinel. Father Quinel explained to him that he was proclaimed a wolf's head and that he should run away. The night before Crispin ran away he was suppose to meet Father Quinel so he could tell him more about his family and why he was being proclaimed a wolf's head. Before Crispin had a chance to be told all these hidden things that were always kept from him, Father Quinel was murdered. The only thing Cripsin could do was run. All he had though was the cross of lead which his mother wrote on but he can't read, but this cross contains a lot of information and nobody will tell him what it says. On Crispin's adventure he meets a man named Bear, who helps him learn to enjoy life and how to survive. Will John Aycliffe catch Crispin? Will Crispin put Bear's life in danger? What does the cross have written on it?
This John Newberry medal book was very well written. This book is very captivating and I had a hard time putting it down. The ending is very surprising and I think Avi is really good at twisting the story around so that you think you know what's going to happen in the end, but then you don't. I've read a lot of Avi's books and I must say that this is my favorite. I recommend this book to everyone.

Dylan Kane

Blue

Crispin is a very religious boy who is very shy and rarely makes eye contact with his superiors, but when he needs to Crispin can be very brave and independent. Crispin is sometimes much to reliable on god because if he's in a tough situation instead of thinking about what to do he prays to god every chance he gets. I think this would have been a much better book if the author included more of the characters traits so you got a better idea of how and why they act in certain ways. When the author describes a new setting in this book Crispin it's more like seeing a picture than reading the text. The settings also fits in with the mode of the book, if Crispin is in a tough situation the author will describe dark alleyways and rain pouring down. Crispin begins his journey in a small rural town called Stromford in the 1300s. At the end Crispin finds himself in a huge urban city called Great Wexley which is filled with twisting alleys and towering buildings. The plot of the book Crispin is very interesting because nothing seems clear until the end when everything seems to fit. Crispin is a child living in a small village where he is treated like an outcast. In Crispin the problem is that his mother has just died and he is alone in the woods when he overhears John Aycliffe speaking to a strange man in the woods. He gets caught and is claimed a wolf's head, which means anybody may kill him. After this he meets a man who teaches him to play flute and sing to earn money. Then they go together from town to town singing and dancing and playing to make money. The theme of this book is that not all lives are fairy tales but even when things are the worst they could be, all hope is not lost. I think this book is worth reading because the author is great at painting the setting, and can make a story so that you don't get bored and just throw it down.

I enjoyed reading Crispin because it was a fast paced, suspenseful adventure. In the adventure Crispin learns many things, and must overcome challenges in his journey. Some of the things that he learns on his journey are how to sing, how people dress, city life, what is beyond his town, and how to be an adventurer, and how to fight with weapons. Hiding and fighting soldiers, saving his friends, and learning his past are some of the challenges he must overcome.

The story starts out with Crispin living in a town named Stromford. He lives with his mom, and his dad supposedly died before he was born. Eventually, his mom dies, and he runs away from Stromford wanting to lead a new life. Before he left on his journey his priest gave him a necklace from his mother with writing on it (Crispin couldn't read). John Aycliffe (master in Stromford) tries to track down Crispin with his army of soldiers. In Crispin's journey he makes a friend/companion named Bear. Together Bear and Crispin travel, and try to live being adventurers. Nobody will tell Crispin what his cross sais, and in the end he finds out that he is someone special, and he had figured his past.

I would recommend this book to someone who loves reading about adventures. It has a wonderful plot, and has many good turns. I enjoyed this book because Crispin was a very believable character, who changed, having motivation behind his change. The motivation behind his change made the change very believable. I will leave the ending for you to read, and figure out what is Crispins past and future? BEWARE, once you start this book you won't want to put it down!!!

Crispin The Cross of Lead

by Avi

" It sounds like treason," of course this is what a young boy named Crispin would say in compliment to a new preacher/ circus friend named Bear. This book is based around the1430's- 50's. Crispin has been proclaimed a wolf's head, which mean anybody can kill him, and his steward, John Aycliffe, is chasing him. Just a few days before his mother died and Father Quinel gave him a cross with writing on it that Crispin could not read. Crispin finds Bear in a burned village, and became Bear's servant by law. All Crispin wants is to find out what the cross says.

In this book Crispin is curious of what the world around him is like. He is always a true friend by protecting his friends. Crispin is also very strong of mind in what should or should not do at the present time. Crispin's friend Bear, in my opinion the best character in the book, because even though he is big and tall he has the heart of friendliness. He is caring with all to give. His whole body radiates with love. John Aycliffe is a different story; he is mean, stubborn, and evil.

Cripin The Cross of Lead is by Avi. The book is nonfiction as well as the first book in it's series. The way this book is written; I would say it is for people eleven and up. The people that I think would like this book would be people that like history, the medieval times, and adventure. In the end it is you and the time period of this book that will decide your opinion of whether the book is happy, sad, that you like it, or you don't. Be ready!

You'll be amazed at how interesting and action packed this book is! Life is well for asta's son, except for both his mom and dad died. Asta is the boys mom's name. His real name has been kept from him so he would never find out. The boy lives in a village called stromford. The steward of the village which is like a master, is named John Aicliff. Soon the boy finds out that his name is Crispin. John Aicliff beats Crispin and accuses him of theft and murder and declares Crispin a wolfs head. That means anyone can kill him because he is not human anymore. Crispin runs away from his village to find new and safer liberties. Instead he finds a village fill of dead bodies. There is only one man left and he is fat and becomes Crispin's master. He is angry. hungry, and does not like Crispin at first. Does the fat man know that Crispin is a wolfs head and try to kill him? Will Crispin and the fat man become friends and try to conquer their problems together? To find out read this awesome book, Crispin - the cross of lead. I think that the message of this book is., when life gets rough, fix it and move on. I think Avi wrote this book to show people that there is always a way out of your problems if your true to yourself and everyone else. "Crispin, leave the village and go find safer liberties!" Said the priest father Quinel. This quote is important because it was the turning point in the story where there is hope for Crispin's survival. I recommend this book to anyone who likes adventure and some thinking in a good book!

Do you enjoy cliffhanging suspense, roller coaster plot line filled with twists and turns? If so Crispin is the right book for you. Crispin is set in the rural English countryside outside of the town Great Wexly. It takes place during the medieval time period, around 1377. The main character, Crispin, is a loyal and athletic child who at the start of the book is shy, but learns to be more open. He has a strong faith in God and will do anything for his friend Bear.

When Crispin's mother dies things start to go wrong. For example, his house gets torn down and people start treating him worse than they did before she died. After Crispin overhears part of a secret conversation he is declared a wolf's head, which means anyone can kill him. He confronts the priest, his only friend, trying to seek refuge. As a result the man is murdered. What does Crispin do? His only choice is to run away.

On his journey he meets up with a fellow named Bear. They travel together and become friends. Their friendship ultimately leads to a great riveting climax where Crispin must try to save his friend before it is to late. The author's flowing; suspenseful style of writing demands the readers' attention. Once you pick up this book you can't put it down. This novel shows the importance of friends. It reminds us that life isn't always filled with joy and happiness, but one can always hope for the best.

AVI

When you first read Crispin you think of King Arthur books. This took place in the 1300. Astas's Son will find he is braver than he thinks. He will see dying people and dead people. He will fight for his life against the villainous John Accylife. Asta's Son finds a friend and he will help Asta's son.

There is a ton of enemy's for Asta's Son and his friend. Asta's Son is poor, and he doesn't know his name! John said Astas's Son stole money from his manor, and can be killed when seen. With the help of his friend Bear he saves his life. Asta dies and he doesn't know his dad. Bear gets captured and taken hostage and Asta's Son has to save him.

Astas's Son has and had long, wavy, dark brown hair. He is a wolf head that means he can be killed when seen. John declared that he killed the priest, but he didn't. He is sad most of the time. He goes to church each day, and he has a cross of lead. He finds out who he is. He finds his friend, and his friend is badly hurt. I would rate this book a four out of five, one being the worst and five the best. I would recommend this book for people ten and up, but also for kids who like action, suspense, and excitement. There is also a sequel to this book, and that is why I would recommend it.

The book Crispin: The Cross of Lead is just another one of Avi's fantastic books. "Asta's Son" lived his whole life his mother wondering about his father. They lived as low class citizens. When he is left alone without a mother or a father he has no choice but to question the priest about his life. The priest tells him his name is Crispin. The priest tells Crispin to come back the next night to find out about his father. He also figures that the priest will read what is written on a lead cross that Crispin's mother gave to him. Unexpectedly, the priest dies and Crispin is accused a "Wolf's Head" for killing the priest and stealing. He immediately flees the town. Not long after his departure, he meets the other main character Bear. Crispin learns important lessons from him that he probably wouldn't have learned in his old town. Bear helps him learn who he is and tries to hep Crispin's father was. Meanwhile, the people from the towns are looking all over for Crispin. Will he ever find out who his dad was, read the cross, or ever get caught? The adventure of Bear and Crispin is an unforgettable one.

Crispin: The Cross of Lead is a historical novel set in 1377, during a time of great crisis in England. At the start of the story, the hero doesn't even know his own name. He's been raised in isolation in a small village, and has only ever heard himself referred to as "Asta's son". Even among the villagers, Asta's son has been isolated, never treated like one who belonged there. His own mother often seems to resent him. He thinks of himself as being "nothing".

Upon Asta's death, however, the boy learns from his only remaining ally, Father Quinel, that he was baptized with the name of Crispin. Father Quinel also tells him that his mother knew how to read and write (unheard of for a peasant woman), and that there is a secret about Crispin's father (who he always believed had died of the plague). The priest gives Crispin his mother's lead cross, though he doesn't have a chance to tell Crispin what is written on the back, or to share with him the secret about Crispin's father.

Instead, the cruel steward of the local manor, John Aycliffe, accuses Crispin of crimes that he didn't commit, and puts a bounty on the boy's head. Crispin must run away, leaving the only home he's ever known. He has no food or money, and because he's never left his village, or been educated, he knows nothing about geography, and almost nothing about the ways of the world.

Crispin soon falls in with a stranger named Bear, a huge red-bearded former priest who now makes a living as a traveling entertainer. Bear has secrets, too. Gradually, however, the boy and the man come to trust one another, and Bear teaches Crispin things about the world. Together, they have a series of near-misses and dramatic adventures, before Crispin learns the truth about who he really is.

I love the complex character of Bear, with his positive attributes and his failings, and his personal demons. In all honesty, I found Crispin rather annoying at first. He has been told for his whole life that he is worthless, and he has naturally come to believe this. He has little ability to stick up for himself, let alone for anyone else, and seems to spend most of his time praying and feeling sorry for himself. As the book progresses, however, Bear is an excellent influence on Crispin. As the boy starts to learn more, and to feel like he's contributing towards making his own living, he begins to blossom. He demonstrates unexpected reserves of bravery and loyalty by the end of the story. Leaving me quite ready to read about his next adventure.

Crispin: The Cross of Lead is an interesting and highly accessible window into a tumultuous historical period. It's truly astounding, read from today's perspective, to see how little power the peasants had, and how small their world was. I found the characters' constant references to the will of God in everyday conversation difficult to get used to, but I suspect that this is probably historically accurate for the time period. I'll be interested to see how or if Crispin's religious views evolve over the course of the trilogy.

The edition that I read contains a historical summary of the time period at the end of the book, as well as a glossary of terms, and an interview with Avi, all of which shed additional light for the reader. I can definitely see why this book one the Newbery Medal.

This book review was originally published on my blog, Jen Robinson's Book Page, on September 4, 2006.

Wouldn't you think a boy whose mother just kicked the bucket should deserve a little sympathy? I sure do, but that's the last thing Crispin, also known as Asta's son, receives. "The steward," he said, "has proclaimed you a wolf's head." Suddenly, many soldiers are hunting Crispin, and since he had been named a wolf's head, anybody was allowed to murder the young boy. Fortunately, the orphan boy comes across a large red headed juggler named Bear. With only his mother's lead cross, Crispin sets out on a journey that will not only uncover some unknown bravery but also his mysterious past. Crispin and Bear set out on an adventure aiming for the town of Great Wexley because Bear has important business inside its walls. When they arrive, Bear is taken prisoner and it's Crispin's chance to decide to either save his own life, or risk it to save Bear's.

Avi, who also wrote the novel Nothing But The Truth, also crafted Crispin very well. With breathtaking moments and heartwarming scenes, Avi brings to life the main character Crispin in a 262-page story. Crispin is a trustworthy boy and throughout this tale it shows what an amazing pair he and Bear make as they set out on a journey that will change their lives forever.

I would recommend this book to both boy and girls twelve and up. But not to all children of that age, because it starts off a little slow. If you can handle a slow start you can handle Crispin. I'd also only recommend it to people who really enjoy fiction books with a genre of mystery, action, and a lot of religious scenes. As you can see, Crispin is an interesting story, so one of these days when you feel you're bound to kick the bucket because of boredom, dive into Crispin. Because despite it's slow start you will really enjoy it further through.

Young,alone,and without a mother the main charater struggles to

survive. The author of Crispin is Avi.

The setting of this book is mainly a small quiet village that did not hold many people and the forest and dirt paths that lead Cripin and Bear to Great Wexley. Some of the main characters are Cispin who is trying to hide from John Aycliff because Johnwants to kill Cispin. Another is Bear, a bulky man who is helping Crispin get away from John.The other one is John Aycliff who wants to kill Crispin for the cross he wears

Right at the begining of the book,Crispin's mother dies because of the sickness she has. Crispin comes up to what he thinks is a vacant village until he meets Bear, who ends up being Crispin's lifesavor. Bear annd Crispin put up a fight against the antagonist. This book is great because it always kept me wondering what was goint to happen. The author's suspense is awesome! This is one book that you will not want to put down!

Have you ever wanted to run away from home? After you read this book you will not run away again. This book is about a child, about thirteen, who is running from his town, for he is a wolf's head, not human so anyone can kill him, for stealing a lot of money he had never seen before.

"Go where they shall crown you king," Those were the last words of the priest to Crispin. This quote has much significance in the beginning. Also in the beginning the only two people in the town who gave a bean about him where killed. Crispin knows of neither himself nor his family anything, but his name, but that he learned. Finally in the late beginning he meets his only true friend in the book, the name being Bear. He also gets in a lot of trouble. The theme of this book is to go by your principles. I think this for many reasons. The first of these being if Crispin hadn't tried to save Bear they both would have been brutally killed. Also, if Crispin hadn't squeezed any information about him or his family he would know nothing of him nor his family, nothing.

I would not recommend this book for it is boring all throughout the book. This book may be similar to No Promise in the Wind for it is about a child running away from home. Crispin was defiantly a religious book. This was also a pretty predictable book. I would say this book is for children thirteen and up because of cussing. Finally, this book was about a run away thirteen year old who is a fool to his past. This was a religious book. Finally I would say this is for thirteen and up for cussing.

After I finished this book I quite literally had horrible nightmares about being pursued by people who wanted to kill me.

I was also bothered that there were some grammatical errors in the book. Not just trying to sound old-fashioned, but actual errors, like using "lead" as the past tense of "lead".

And there's no humor in the book.

I was also scared that, because the book won a Newbery, everybody important to the main character was going to die. So that was another reason I didn't enjoy the book... worrying about that the whole time.

Other than that it was okay.

Crispin Book Review

Running, hiding, and dancing are what you will find under the cover of the amazing book, Crispin. Crispin is a boy who, in the beginning of the book, is poor, frightened and lonely all because his mom dies. But as you move on with the book you will find that his courage builds up.

I think the theme of the story is never give up, never surrender because in this story, if you give surrender you die, but if you persevere, you end up being up or happy and playing the flute. The story mostly takes place in the wonderful and busy city of Great Wexly during Medieval times in England in 1376. In the book, the author does a wonderful job describing the town, especially at night.

This story tells of a boy who has to flee his small town because his mother dies and people are trying to kill him because a man thought Crispin heard him talking about a crime. On his journey to the town of Great Wexly, Crispin meets an unexpected friend named Bear who happens to change Crispin's life. But later on he goes to a large church where he and Bear are put in great danger. In the end Crispin finds his courage and to save the new friend he loves.

All in all I thought this book was boring at some parts and at others completely stupid and unrealistic. But in the end, considering I don't really like reading, it turned out to be a pretty good book because the plot was exciting.

For grades 4-8. Crispin is a very great historical fiction book that was back in England in the 1300’s. Crispin, is a young boy trying to figure things out after his widowed mom dies. When he runs away because he was accused of a crime he didn’t do, he gets caught and finds something he shouldn’t have, so Crispin must learn to accept a major change very quickly. This is a very easy book to read and although it is religious mentioning god a lot, I think it is amazing. The author did a great job describing the characters and showing what life would be like. Whenever I read the book, I was shot back in time and given a new personality. This book is an awesome book for anyone who tries to read it.

In a village named Stromford, a peasant called Asta's son's mother has died, in grief, he run into a nearby forest (he's never had a name, but that's appropriate, because he's only a peasant). While in the forest he is falsely accused of robbing the manor house owned by Lord Furnival, (in who's absence, his steward - John Aycliffe - is in charge of Stromford) and is declared a "Wolf's Head" (that anyone may kill him on sight). In fear he turns to the village priest, his only friend, and learns 2 things: that his name is Crispin, and that he must flee Stromford, the only world he has ever known, taking only his mother's cross of lead.
While seeking his freedom, Crispin comes across a man called "Bear" in an abandoned village's church, and by law, the first free man a peasant meets, becomes your master. As a servant again Crispin is very unhappy, but soon after becomes Bear's apprentice, for Bear is a juggler! So off they go to Great Wexly, where Crispin is to stay for a year and a day to gain freedom, but sadly, for a Wolf's Head, this is easier said then done.

This book is a wonderful and emotional story, about a boy who thought he was nothing. He is declared a wolf's head, which means anyone is allowed to kill him. He is declared a wolf's head because he was accused of something he didn't do. So he runs away with only the clothes on his back and a cross of lead from his now dead mother.He is caught by another master, and soon becomes his friend. They go traveling on a mysterious adventure that Crispin doesn't know too much about. I recommend this book to students in 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, because it is written in kind of an old English style and at times it is hard to understand. I like this book because it has internal and external problems and not just one or the other. It is very mysterious and suspenseful, so that's why I like this book.