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| Crispin 2021 cover by Keith Robinson |
Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi was first published in 2002 by Disney Hyperion, an imprint of Disney Book Group, and awarded the Newbery Medal in 2003 for distinguished contribution to children’s literature. The paperback version was published in 2021 by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group. The book is over 20 years old, still relevant and new to today’s middle graders who were not born in 2003. Crispin a 13 year old orphaned serf lives in 1377 England. This is a tale of survival with themes of death, skills, adoption, and freedom. In spite of its rather grim circumstances this is a fun book to read. The descriptions of thirteenth century England are engrossing and Crispin’s character is captivating. I tend to reread this book during Arctic cold fronts and feel incredibly comfortable as serfs’ houses were cold, wet and drafty as they lacked doors, floors, chimneys and watertight roofs.
Warning: There is a graphic description of a decaying corpse on the gallows.
The back matter includes a Historical Note by Avi, an Interview with Avi and a Glossary. The paperback version is 310 pages long.
