Crispin

The Cross of Lead

By: Avi

Narrated by: Ron Keith

Newbery Medal winner The Cross of Lead is "a page-turner from beginning to end … full of adventure, mystery, and action" (School Library Journal).

Sometimes I ran, sometimes all I could do was walk. All I knew was that if the steward overtook me, I’d not survive for long.…

Crispin is a poor thirteen-year-old peasant in medieval England. Accused of a crime he did not commit, he has been declared a "wolf’s head," meaning he may be killed on sight, by anyone. He flees his tiny village with nothing but his mother’s cross of lead.

In the English countryside, Crispin meets a man named Bear, who forces Crispin to become his servant yet encourages him to think for himself. But as Crispin’s enemies draw ever closer, he is pulled right into the fortress of his foes, where he must find a way to save their very lives.

A master of breathtaking plot twists and vivid characters, award-winning author Avi brings the full force of his storytelling powers to the world of medieval England.

©2002 Avi (P)2002 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Avi's plot is engineered for maximum thrills, with twists, turns and treachery aplenty, but it's the compellingly drawn relationship between Crispin and Bear that provides the heart of this story." (Publishers Weekly)

Great book! Great Performance!

What did you love best about Crispin?

Crispin is a riveting story, and the performance really enhances the experience.

What did you like best about this story?

It was great through and through, but I really loved how the first chapter and the last chapter reflect each other. It shows how well thought out this book really is!

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the scene where Crispin rescues Bear.

Unexpected ending

The book has me guessing as to what would happen next. Love that the main character finds friendship and is finally loved and cared for by someone. Bad guy gets his come uppings.

amazing story

a book of action and adventure, makes you never want to close the book. Avi knows how to keep a reader in suspense.
I suggest this book for 4th grade and up, girls and boys. Love it.

Great Story!

Could not put it down! Wonderful book for a young teen girl or boy, or adult !

Aboo

Crispin is a grand s Story about A young boy and his grand adventures In and out of his village, so if you want a story About about excitement treachery And loss This is the book for you