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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.
Visit: Avi
Read Avi's: Writing Tips
Visit Cover Illustrator, 2021: Keith Robinson
Visit Cover Designer, 2021: Jenny Kimura
Visit Front Piece Illustrator, 2002: Tristan Elwell
Visit Greg Pattridge host of: Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
Visit your local book store: Second Star to the Right
My previous review of Avi' Ragweed & Poppy
I haven't read a book by Avi in a long time. This one sounds like a good one and is set in a time in history I haven't read about much. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHello Natalie. Thanks for your comment. Happy MMGM.
DeleteAvi’s historical fiction is terrific. The True Confessions of Charlottes Doyle is my favourite. I’ll have to try this one. Thanks for bringing this backlist title to my frontlist.
ReplyDeleteHello Linda. Thank you for your comment. I too enjoyed The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. Happy MMGM.
DeleteI've seen this book so many times, but I haven't read it yet. I absolutely LOVED The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, and while this is different, I can see how the things I loved about that one would lead me to like this one, too. I'll definitely check it out. Thanks for sharing your review!
ReplyDeleteHello Kasey. Thank you for visiting. I also enjoyed The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. Happy MMGM.
DeleteThis might have been the first book I read by Avi and I was hooked. I've read many more since then by this gifted author. Thanks for bringing Crispin back on this week's MMGM.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for MMGM and your comment.
DeleteI love reading books about this time, having recently reread Cynthia Harnett's books set approx the same era. I will keep an eye out for it! Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteValinora, thank you for visiting. I will look for Cynthia Harnett's books.
DeleteI love reading books set in that period. I may have read this a long time ago, but I'm not sure. I'll try to hunt down a copy. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteRosi, thank you for your comment.
DeleteMy kids LOVED this book! Now I want to reread it.
ReplyDeleteSo great to have validation by the target audience. Thank you for your comment.
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