Crispin

The Cross of Lead

By: Avi

Narrated by: Ron Keith

Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Awesome book!

This is among the best historical fiction novels I have ever heard! I would strongly recommend this book to those who enjoy action and adventure!

Enjoy

Very much like this Audible. When I was in school I could never get in to this book. After I read along with this app I very much enjoyed it!

Really engaging piece of historical fiction.

Compelling, and hard to put down. I love the reading, he brings the characters to life.

Great narration and a great story!

I had read this book as a kid and wanted to revisit it. I couldn’t stop myself from listening to this story. I had forgotten what a sweet little story it is!

Great adventurous, keeps you wanting to turn the page.

Couldn’t stop listening! Had to find out what happened next! Great adventure story that keeps you guessing what’s next.

Don't read at night!

My daughter says, "Cathy , unexpected, keeps you in suspense. Great read! Favorite character , the widow."

A Must Read!!

Matthew Caruso
Challenge A Week 13
Essay 9


“Knowing where the trap is—that's the first step in evading it.”
― Frank Herbert

In Crispin and the Cross of Lead, Bear and Crispin were faced with the risky and dangerous decision of traveling to the major city of Great Wexley. Everyone agrees that Bear and Crispin did proceed to the city, but whether they made the right choice is arguable.

Bear and Crispin should have traveled to Great Wexley for three reasons: Crispin could secretly uncover his startling and astonishing identity, Bear could stealthily accomplish his perilous and outrageous duty, and Crispin could gradually earn his precious and priceless freedom.

The first reason Bear and Crispin should have traveled to Great Wexley is Crispin could secretly uncover his startling and astonishing identity. He could discover the shocking identity of his father. Crispin never knew his dad, but he was told that he had died in the Great Plague. He also figured out his mother's true identity. Crispin had lived with his mother and always thought of her as some poor, cursed women. But not until she died did he learn she could read and write. Finally, he dug up the fact that he was not just a dirty, poor boy, but truly a descendant of royalty.

The second reason Bear and Crispin should have travelled to Great Wexley is because Bear could stealthily accomplish his perilous and outrageous duty. For a while now, Bear was in an illegal group of rebels who were planning to overthrow the Fernivals. Bear also greeted his good friend, the Widow Daventree, who owned the inn where they rested. Lastly, he defeated John Aycliffe in their brave indevor.

The final reason Bear and Crispin should have travelled to Great Wexley is Crispin gradually earned his precious and priceless freedom. Crispin at the time was a wolf’s head which meant anyone could kill him. He was told by Father Quinel that if he was in Great Wexley for one year and one day, he would be a free “man”. Once free, he could venture on by himself, travel wherever he wanted, and live and work wherever and for whomever he desired.

Some people say Bear and Crispin should not have travelled to Great Wexley. They argue that it was an ill advised thing to do because it was full of exactly the type of people Crispin was fleeing from. However, the reason Crispin needed to go to Great Wexley is so he could earn his freedom. This was one of the few cities where he could be free, and it was close by.

In addition, people also argue Bear’s actions were flat out against the law. They say Bear could have gotten not only himself killed, but Crispin too. He also had no chance of making a real impact. Most people would be too afraid to join their cause. After all, it was not like any old tea party or a friendly debate, but it was practically war. This is certainly a good argument, Bear’s little group of rebels were risky, but the Bible speaks about standing up for what is right.
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.”’ Bear and his rebel friends were trying to make a new and better world to live in.

Neither of these arguments- Crispin’s enemies being in the city he was fleeing to and Bear’s rebellion being dangerous and against the law- are flawless. While going to Great Wexley, they uncovered things that would vastly outweigh the desire to flee to the neighboring cities or towns.

Bear and Crispin should have travelled to Great Wexley for three reasons: Crispin could secretly uncover his startling and astonishing identity, Bear could stealthily accomplish his perilous and outrageous duty, and Crispin could gradually earn his precious and priceless freedom.

This matters to people who need a place to flee because of abuse or enslavement, and this reminds them that they can keep fighting and possibly get to a city of refuge where they can be free.

Narration is Awesome

i read this book as a child and really liked it now i love it

Loved listening to this book!

I love listening to this book the narrator was wonderful! He really brought the story to life.