Newbery Medal Winner
Crispin: The Cross of Lead
by Avi
Summary
In fourteenth century England, a poor orphaned boy declared a wolf's head and hunted for a crime he did not commit flees his village with only a lead cross to his name. Under the protection of a traveling juggler called Bear, Crispin discovers freedom and the dangerous secret of his identity. Avi blends a fast paced medieval adventure with themes of liberty and belonging.
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Historical Context & Significance
This was the first Newbery Medal for Avi, a prolific author who had previously earned two Newbery Honors, and it launched a trilogy.