Ratings

Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content

Guide to Rating System

LANGUAGE

VIOLENCE

SEXUAL CONTENT

ADULT THEMES

Title:  Crispin: The Cross of Lead

Author:  Avi

2003 Newbery Medal Winner

Ratings Explanation

Language:  Words describing Deity and other religious phrases are used in oaths, prayers and vows. “As God is merciful” “For the love of our dear Christ” are examples.

Violence:  Aycliffe is an evil steward who delights in his power over others.  The book mentions whipping, murdering and other physical punishments to peasants for small infractions.  Aycliffe attempts to kill Crispin with a sword and proclaims him a “wolf’s head”, which allows anyone to kill him.  Aycliffe does kill Father Quinel.   In the forests, Crispin comes across a dead man who has been hung.  Aycliffe and his soldiers continue to pursue Crispin throughout the book.  In an attack, Crispin’s hand is injured attempting to fight off soldiers.  Bear is captured by the soldiers, beaten and jailed.  In the final pages Aycliffe, Bear and Crispin fight, with Aycliffe dying by the sword.

Sexual Content:  Crispin is the illegitimate son of Lord Furnival

Adult Themes:  Crispin emotionally deals with being orphaned.  There is political upheaval and plotting against the existing government of kings, lords and the entire English feudal system.  Drunkeness mentioned.  It is briefly mentioned that Lord Furnival likes women, killing and gambling.

Synopsis

Crispin is a 13 yr. old boy living in 1377 A.D. in medieval England.  Recently orphaned, he is proclaimed a wolf’s head, (not a person anymore and must be killed if found), because he is blamed for a theft he didn’t commit.  Running for his life, he leaves behind his peasant life and village and all he’s ever known.  In the forest, Crispin meets Bear, an enormous fellow who poses as a juggler, while really working as a spy for an underground movement that proclaims freedom for all.  Bear encourages Crispin to think and provide for himself.   More importantly, Bear helps him learn the secret of his full identity.  Constantly hunted by those who want him dead for political reasons, Crispin must courageously live up to his new potential to save Bear’s life and his own.

A great choice for a Newberry Award!  This book is perfect for anyone loving action and adventure.  Medieval history, social mores and religious beliefs are blended well with an engaging fictional plot.  This book is the first in the Crispin trilogy.