Historical Fiction - Civilizations of the Medevil World

The book Crispin - The Cross of Lead, by Avi, is a historical fiction book focusing on civilizations of the medieval world (from the list on pg. 87 of class text).  The book received the John Newbery Medal and was an ALA Notable Children's Book in 2003; it was also on the Publisher Weekly and New York Times Best-Seller lists.  

The book takes place in England during 1377 A.D.  It was a time of suffering and depression for those that survived the Plague.  During this time everyone held a place in the hierarchy of classes, with the majority of the population being in poverty.  Through all the bleakness of the times a young boy, known only as Aster's Son, finds himself thrown into a new life where he no longer knows his own identity.  After the death of his outcast mother he has a bounty and death sentence put on his head.  With the brief assistance of the towns' clergy, before his untimely death, he finds that he does have a birth name and flees for his safety and freedom.  He learns that his given name is Crispin and that for reasons unknown to him his life means demise; by orders of the late Lord Furnival's widow.  Along the way he befriends a traveling entertainer that goes by the name Bear.  It is this friendship that brings Crispin closer to the truth of why he is avidly hunted and just how unjust the rulers are to those that live under them.  


The book brings awareness to the separation of classes during this time.  It illustrates the revolutions the lower classes were planning as a stance against their hardships.  The character John Ball, a reformer, is based on a real clergyman that preached of the unlawfulness of those in power.  I found the book both entertaining and educational.  It is a must read for anyone interested in this time period.


I would use this book as part of a class reading assignment when focusing on world history of the 1300's.  This would also be a great way to show the class separations and how individuals were treated as less than human during this era.  The book would be suitable for those between grades 5-9, but older students would enjoy it as well.  To "hook" the students I would have them listen to part of the reading done by Avi, himself.  It is about how Crispin describes John Aycliffe, the towns' steward, and the brief words that were expressed between them right after Crispin's mother had been buried.  The following link will take you directly to the recording at the Avi site. Once there choose recording number 2 and move the cursor on the counter to 2:25, listen until 4:15.  It is fascinating to hear the segment being read by the author.