Crispin

Crispin: The Cross of Lead
by Avi
Historical Fiction
Scholastic, 2002

Summary: This book is about a young boy who doesn’t have an identity of his own. He was orphaned at a young age and accused of committing theft. Although he did not commit the crime, he was deemed a wolf’s head. This forced him to flee his village alone to fin for himself. On his journey, he met a juggler named Bear who took him under his wings and taught him to juggle, play the flute and other survival skills. Bear and Crispin learned to trust each other despite their differences. Crispin soon learned why he was forced to leave his village in search of freedom and why his mother had secrets about whom he was and why he was told that his father was dead. This book is action packed and very hard to put down. It takes off from the very first chapter and keeps you until the end.

Themes: Communities; Survival; Courage; Good vs. Evil; Diversity; Identity

Rationale for Use: This book is fast paced with a real life adolescent character, well written with numerous plots. Although this book was written on upper fourth grade lower fifth grade level, it would be good for upper grade struggling readers studying about 14th century history.

Content Area Connections: History- 14th century England; Feudal life; Ancient Civilizations; Politics; Map-Geography-several countries listed in Crispin’s journey

Possible Problems or Areas of Concern:Numerous plots in which could be too complex struggling readers; Vocabulary words very sophisticated; Harsh view of life

~Tracy Hayes