Crispin: The Cross of Lead
Written by Avi
Illustrated by Tristan Elwell
Reviewed by Jamie D. (age 9)
What is Asta's son's name? Who is Bear? Who murdered Father Quinel? Those are just a few questions you will have while reading the book, Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi.
Crispin is a young boy whose mom dies when he is 12. So now he is on his own. Crispin is halfway to his destination, Great Wexly, when he is captured and forced to do what his new master, named Bear, tells him. After Crispin travels with Bear for a while, he realizes that Bear is not as bad as he seems. In the end, Bear turns out to be more of a good friend to Crispin than a master. One of the main lessons of the story is not to judge a person by what they look like.
Avi is an amazing author who has written many other wonderful stories. Some of my favorites are: The Secret School, Poppy, and Poppy and Rye. My favorite part of this book is when Crispin saves Bear because nobody thinks that Crispin can succeed in saving him. Guess what? He does! This book is different than most other books because it really touches your heart. Crispin reminds me of myself because he is very determined and he learns from his mistakes.
I would recommend this book to anyone who believes in friendship and understands what it means to be a true friend.
"In the midst of life comes death. How often did our village priest preach those words" Yet I have also heard that 'in the midst of death comes life.' If this be a riddle, so was my life." -Crispin: The Cross of Lead-