
“In the midst of life comes death.” How often did our village priest preach those words. Yet I have also heard that “in the midst of death comes life.” If this be a riddle, so was my life.”― Avi, Crispin: The Cross of Lead
Avi has had an extremely prolific writing career with over 80 novels for children and young adults. Two of his books were Newbery Honor books and this book, Crispin, The Cross of Lead, won the Newbery Award in 2003. Crispin, a poor 13 year old peasant in medieval England finds himself on the run with only his mother’s lead cross after being accused of a crime he did not commit. He’s been designated a “wolf’s head” meaning he can be shot on sight, by anyone. As Crispin flees for his life, he comes across a man named Bear who forces Crispin to become his servant, but also encourages and teaches him. They develop a real friendship but unexpected twists and turns lead them back to the very people who want to kill Crispin and it will take everything they have to survive.
Avi is a master storyteller and he keeps the reader engaged with compelling characters and an action packed story that transports the reader back to the 1300s.
Content Advisory: Death, minimal language