Watch Avi Turn Base Metal To Gold

Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi

Dear Saralinda:*

Avi is an author I approach with a certain wariness. The first book I read of his (Bright Shadow) was firmly mediocre and I wondered whether perhaps he was an over- rated writer. He's published 50 novels and I thought perhaps he was more interested in quantity than quality.

Then I read True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle and decided otherwise. That book was clearly a giant amongst young adult fiction. So when I learned that Avi had once again won the 2003 Newbery Award, I figured the book was worth reading.

Crispin: The Cross of Lead is not nearly as well done as True Confessions, but it is still a good book and a worthy read. It tells the story of Asta's son, a serf in medieval England. He was shunned by his fellow villagers and never given even a name--so far as he knew. The book opens as he stands by the grave of his mother and things quickly grow even worse for him. The priest hints at a secret that he will be told after he flees the village. The priest tells the boy that he was secretly christened Crispen, a noble name unusual for a peasant boy without a known father.

The boy runs off when the land's steward puts a price on his head for reasons he cannot fathom. He runs into a man named Bear and his life begins to change.

Like True Confessions, Crispin is an adventure story and a coming-of-age story. Asta's son must find his own identity just as he grows into his own name. He is challenged to find his place in the universe and the ability to hold his head high and to look the eyes of others. At one point, he expresses doubt that he even has a soul and in many ways, the book is about his quest to find a soul.

It is that quest that gives the book wider appeal than a simple historical fiction account otherwise might. It is a quest that we can identify with as it doesn't matter what time period we live in, we still must each find our soul. We each must determine by our actions and our words what our name will mean.

Avi's writing is lean and keeps the story moving quickly even as it explores the themes of self- discovery and change. He weaves suspense into the story as we watch Crispin and Bear being pursued. We learn of Bear's secret plottings to bring freedom to a land that believes freedom is heresy and flies in the face of God's plan.

Avi also had fun with his title. "The Cross of Lead" is the subtitle, but it could just as easily be a descriptor of Crispin himself. The cross is a memento of his mother that he keeps with him and it turns out to be a key to his identity. But it also goes a little deeper than that. Have you heard of alchemy? It was practiced by medieval scholars who thought that the right combination of chemicals and magic would enable them to turn base metals (such as lead) into gold. The title hints to an alchemical change that will take place in the book--a change I'll let you find within the pages.

Avi also refers to several characters who are figures out of history. You'll meet John Ball, the author of a great deal of fugitive literature who helped stir rebellion. You'll hear references to King Edward II and the political situation of his time--including the crusades and the stirrings of rebellion. In all, there is a great deal of authenticity in the way Avi addresses the details of what people eat, the laws, the taverns, and the churches.

In all, Crispin is an enjoyable read. I can see why the Newbery Committee chose to honor it. It's a quick read with a good, solid story.

Love,
Aunt Bridgette

Three years ago I began searching out books that my then 13-year-old niece would enjoy. In an effort to help her enjoy the books more, I determined to write letters to go with each one. I wasn't always able to write as many letters as I gave her books, but a few were written. After stripping out the strictly personal information, I've posted them here as reviews. After all, my goal in the letter is to get her to read the book, perhaps I can do the same for you.

* I've changed my niece's name to protect her identity. The name I borrowed from another beloved children's book, the princess in James Thurber's The 13 Clocks.