This is well written and caught my interest despite it being set in a time period that I’m not too fond of, the medieval era. Besides the courage displayed by the main character this story centers itself on relationships, specifically the one between Crispin and Bear. There are many “on the edge of your seat” moments in this book which makes it quite engaging.

3 1/2 stars

Interesting, unique story that really gives the reader an idea of what the middle ages could have been like.

I am not sure that kids -- even 5th & 6th graders will really get all the nuances of this book, especially in the beginning with the religious aspect.

genre: historical

summary: Young peasent, Asta's son has his life change forever when his mother suddenly dies. After which he is accused of a crime, told that he has an important past, and his old friend/confidante is murdered.

Asta's son is now on the run with a lead cross his only clue to his true past. Along the way he meets minstrel/spy Bear who befriends him and teaches him how to sing, juggle, and play music.

***SPOILERS***

Asta's son eventually discovers that his real name is Crispin and that he is a bastard son of noble birth.

for kids who like: Avi & historical fiction (middle ages)

age group: 9+ (descriptions of corpses left out as warnings/punishment)

my review: not my thing, could have been way more exciting considering the plot.

3/10

Technically, this is a children’s book. Crispin’s just a child. There’s nothing outright mature here, either. However, after reading this book, it didn’t necessary feel like children’s read. There are many mature themes explored, including freedom, violence, and religion, and the identity of an illegitimate child, and they colored the entire read.

And, did I mention the religion? Religion is everything in this story. The start, middle and end of this book are Christianity. Crispin prays, speaks and even thinks in terms of Jesus, and Mary and anything Christian. To the point where I had a hard time knowing where the story ended, and the faith aspect began. I understand this might even be accurate for a 14th century peasant. However, some readers will find this read is too heavy on the Christian elements. (And, they, like me, will have to take full responsibility for picking up this book when it’s called “The Cross of Lead”.)

This book is a great, exciting, read. It gives a vivid picture of a peasant’s life during the 14th century. There are mysteries, secrets and danger. There’s are many real themes explored. And a character who’s exciting to follow (if a bit too impulsive). It just isn’t for everyone.

Alternatives:
[bc:City of Orphans|10059059|City of Orphans|Avi|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1350862321l/10059059._SY75_.jpg|14955231][bc:The Last|35887524|The Last (Endling, #1)|Katherine Applegate|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1517291088l/35887524._SY75_.jpg|26321709][bc:Island of the Blue Dolphins|41044096|Island of the Blue Dolphins|Scott O'Dell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1533405446l/41044096._SX50_.jpg|3215136][bc:A Long Walk to Remember|18717058|A Long Walk to Remember|Linda Sue Park|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1463035019l/18717058._SY75_.jpg|12409139][bc:A Drowned Maiden's Hair|199741|A Drowned Maiden's Hair|Laura Amy Schlitz|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388342186l/199741._SX50_.jpg|193232][bc:The False Prince|12432220|The False Prince (Ascendance, #1)|Jennifer A. Nielsen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1585683740l/12432220._SX50_.jpg|16221764]

Content:
Religion: Christianity makes up the entire book. There are a least a few hundred instances in the story where Crispin is praying to saints, speaking about or swearing on the "true savior", "holy mother" and ghost. It got to a point where it felt preachy, though it was only Crispin’s thoughts. I’ve never read such a book where religion was literally the entire novel.
Violence: scary, violent scenes with dead people, a hanging man, a person with skinless bones and long hair, a man stabbed and many threats and moments of near peril

Spoiler

in addition to Crispin himself being declared a wolf's head, meaning he's no better than an animal and should be killed on sight by anyone who sees him

.
Romance: a man who likes women has many illegitimate children.

Spoiler

Crispin is one of them

Spoiler

I was really disappointed with this book, although I was looking forward to (finally!) reading a book by the ever-acclaimed, Avi. The storyline / plot sounded like it could be interesting, given its placement in the 13/1400s, but I just could not get into the story. I could visualize the adventures of the characters and found myself trying to put myself in their shoes during that time period, but there were several points throughout this book that I found myself counting down the pages until it was done.

Wow.
I couldn't put it down. The entire book was structured so well, the characters built up just right, the chapters each leading into one another. If you don't like for books to have a whole lot of religion in them, then I definitely wouldn't recommend this to you, but if you have no problem with it, then I highly recommend reading this. It could change the way you look at life. I would also recommend giving this to your kids to read. It would work fantastically as a teaching tool for youngsters.