Module 5: Historical Fiction - CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:

Avi. 2002. CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 0786808284

PLOT SUMMARY:

What would it be like to have to flee from the only life you have ever known in order to save yourself and discover your true identity in medieval England? CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD carries readers through this fascinating storyline through the eyes of Crispin, the main character. After the burial of his mother, young Crispin flees to the woods. There, he overhears a secretive conversation between two powerful men. When the men spot Crispin, a chase ensues that eventually turns into a manhunt on Crispin’s life. When Crispin learns that he is wrongfully accused of stealing money from the steward’s manor and that he has been declared a wolf’s head, or an inhuman being that can be killed by anyone, he realizes that he must flee for his life. Befriended by an unlikely ally of a huge and terrifying man named Bear, Crispin runs for his life while trying to figure out who he truly is. Using the cross of lead given to him by his mother, he uncovers the secret to his past and discovers that he is the secret son of Lord Furnival. After Lord Furnival’s death, those in power would go to any lengths to keep Crispin’s identity a secret and protect their own power. When Bear is captured, it is up to Crispin to dig deep into himself to discover a courage that he never knew existed in order to save Bear and himself.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:

Known only as “Asta’s son” in the beginning of the story, the character of Crispin is a captivating and memorable one. He is young and curious, but also uncertain of himself. When he is forced to run for his life and abandon the only life that he knows, readers will instantly empathize with Crispin and his plight as he transforms into a courageous and capable survivor.

CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD takes place in medieval England in the year 1377. Crispin’s small corner of the world, the village of Stromford, is thoroughly described. Stromford is significant to the story because prior to the manhunt for Crispin, he had never left the walls of his small village before. This gives a whole new meaning to the journey that Crispin is forced to go on because he must be brave enough to venture out of all that he has ever known.

The main theme prevalent throughout this tale is self-discovery. Prior to the events that led Crispin to run for his life, he knew very little about his true self and did not even know his real name. Crispin’s journey was not only about saving himself but also about learning about his past, discovering his hidden bravery, stepping out of his comfort zone, and claiming freedom from oppression.

Avi unfolds this story with heart-thumping and fast-paced action. His riveting style leaves readers captivated and anxious to know what is coming next. Avi provides an authentic look at the life of poor peasants in medieval England, and he masterfully balances the historical facts with unique characters and a plot packed with action and adventure. He manages to blend historical facts easily into this captivating tale of the corruption of power, self-discovery, and the attainment of true freedom. CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD definitely deserves a place in any children’s collection.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (June 1, 2002):
“Avi has done an excellent job of integrating background and historical information, of pacing the plot so that the book is a page-turner from beginning to end, and of creating characters for whom readers will have great empathy. The result is a meticulously crafted story, full of adventure, mystery, and action.”

From HORN BOOK (September/October, 2002):
“From Crispin's initial religious dependence and inability to meet others' eyes to his eventual choice of his own path and freedom, the theme of self-determination is carried lightly, giving this quick, easily digested thriller just the right amount of heft.”

From BOOKLIST (May 15, 2002 (Vol. 98, No. 18)):
“Avi builds an impressive backdrop for his arresting characters: a tense medieval world in which hostility against the landowners and their cruelties is increasing. There's also other nail-biting tension in the story that builds to a gripping, somewhat confusing ending, which finds Crispin, once weak, now strong. Readers may not understand every nuance of the political machinations that propel the story, but they will feel the shifting winds of change beginning to blow through a feudal society.”

*Awards:
2003 Newbery Medal Winner

CONNECTIONS:

*Sequel to CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD:
Avi. 2006.CRISPIN: AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD. New York: Hyperion Books for Children. ISBN 078685152X

*Activities:
This book would fit in perfectly with a unit of study on the Middle Ages. Students could use the book to develop questions for further study regarding life and culture during this time period.

CRISPIN:THE CROSS OF LEAD is a great piece of historical fiction to use when teaching the concept of social class in medieval England. Since Crispin and his mother were part of the poorest class of society, their characters would bring research on the division of social class to life for students.

Since the character of Crispin is such a remarkable one, students could be encouraged to do a character analysis of him. This character analysis could include listing Crispin’s traits as well as outlining his transformation throughout the story.

Similarly, students may want to further explore the intriguing character of Bear. Students could discuss some of Bear’s adventures in the story or even make up new adventures for Bear. Or, students may enjoy retelling a small part of the story from Bear’s point of view.

*Websites:
http://www.avi-writer.com/
http://suzyred.com/2004crispin.html
http://teacher.scholastic.com/clubs/pdfs/crispin_t.pdf
http://www.champlain.edu/majors/education/pt3/peter.koutroulis/ThematicUnit.html
http://www.hyperionbooksforchildren.com/data/books/tgpdf/07868264791291.pdf