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    Crispin: The Cross of Lead - Literature Kit Gr. 7-8
    Crispin: The Cross of Lead - Literature Kit Gr. 7-8
    Crispin: The Cross of Lead - Literature Kit Gr. 7-8
    Ebook115 pages39 minutes

    Crispin: The Cross of Lead - Literature Kit Gr. 7-8

    By Nat Reed

    3.5/5

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    About this ebook

    Jump into a world filled with mystery and intrigue as one boy discovers his heritage. Our all-in-one resource provides everything needed for student comprehension, including vocabulary and writing prompts with each chapter. Determine whether Crispin would support the viewpoint, "cruelty is contagious in uncivilized communities". Brainstorm possible inscriptions on Crispin's cross that would cause Bear's reaction. Investigate the trade of a tinker as it would appear during the time of the novel. Consider the battle between Bear and John Aycliffe from a different perspective, then complete a chart. Aligned to your State Standards and written to Bloom's Taxonomy, additional crossword, word search, comprehension quiz and answer key are also included.

    About the Novel:
    Crispin: The Cross of Lead is the Newbery Medal winning story of a young boy hiding from the law. Set in 14th Century England, a young boy—only known as Crispin—finds himself on the run from Lord Furnival and his evil steward, John Aycliffe. When Crispin overhears the private conversation of Aycliffe and another man in the forest, he becomes the object of a massive hunt. Crispin then flees from the area after his only allies—his mother and Father Quinel—are dead. Crispin soon meets up with Bear—a traveling entertainer—who trains him in the arts of the mummer. However, Bear is not what he seems, and Crispin is thrown into a life full of dangerous adventures that lead to a dramatic ending, where the secret of Crispin’s heritage is revealed.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherCCP Interactive
    Release dateJan 12, 2009
    ISBN9781553199007
    Crispin: The Cross of Lead - Literature Kit Gr. 7-8

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    Reviews for Crispin

    3.5/5

    600 ratings59 reviews

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    • 4/5
      It is medieval times in England. Being a peasant is a harsh life. Known only as "Asta's son" and only having his mother to provide and raise him, this is the only life this 13 year old boy knows.When his mother dies, life becomes harder, and when he is declared a 'wolf's head' for a crime he didn't commit, life looks like it may be impossible. You see, being a "wolf's head" means that you can be killed on sight by anyone! The only way to stay alive is for "Asta's son" to leave the village and go far away.Being found by a man whose appearance matches his name of Bear, Asta's son becomes Bear's apprentice. Bear is a travelling entertainer, going from village to village singing, juggling and making people laugh. That is his main occupation. It seems there is also a bit of a secret mission involved.As Asta's son is swept along with Bear, he also learns of his background; his father, why he and his mother were treated as such and why he was declared a "wolf's head." These revelations are not only surprising but also give Asta's son a new perspective and his true name...Crispin.This is an easy read, but there is a lot of excitement, secrecy and action. Though there are no illustrations, the author paints images with his words that I found I could visualize. But then this is the 9th book of his I've read and I enjoy his style.
    • 5/5
      While Crispin: The Cross of Lead starts off a little slow, it quickly picks up and hooks you. Why is Crispin targeted and hated so by John Aycliffe? As he flees from the village and only life he's ever known, Crispin encounters Bear, a juggler who takes him under his wing. A challenging friendship develops as Crispin learns about a world he's never experienced. Avi allows us to see the world through Crispin's innocent eyes and wonder who will be friend or foe. Two more books round out the series, both recommended.
    • 4/5
      An exciting adventure.
    • 4/5
      Medieval adventure. Really intriguing, exciting story.
    • 5/5
      It really felt like it was asking me every night to read it. Very enjoyable if you like reading. Full of adventures.
    • 4/5
      Shortly after the death of his mother, an overheard encounter leads to Crispin running for his life in 14th century England. On his journey, he meets a juggler who may be more than what he seems, and he learns about the secret of his own parentage. Avi is an author I never think of as a favorite, but his stories always draw me in. This Newbery winner is tightly plotted and well-researched, and I'd recommend it to readers who enjoy medieval tales.
    • 3/5
      It was okay. The chapters were WAY too short for my comfort. The breaks were random and, often, a single scene spanned four or five chapters. Crispin was ENTIRELY too religious for my reasoning. I understand that this was a different time period, but for a poor, shunned farm boy with no education, no family, and no knowledge of the outside world, he was pretty darn knowledgeable about religion, saints, prayers, and whatnot. I get that the priest was one of his only friends, but still it all seemed TOO preachy for me. Also, not a lot happened. From the beginning of the book, there were maybe four or five major events and it took forever to get there. There was little action, little intrigue, and little to motivate me to keep reading other than I really wanted to know what was written on the darn cross. I'll read the second one because my library has it, but as my library does not have the third, unless something miraculous happens, I won't read the third.
    • 4/5
      Set in late 1300's England this is an engaging story of an orphan boy who is, for reasons unknown, targeted for execution by his Lord's steward. I appreciated the characters and the well-drawn setting. I felt the ending was just a tad contrived but it didn't spoil it for me. I will keep an eye out for the sequels!
    • 5/5
      I enjoyed this so much and it's been a pleasure to read and discuss it with my 12-year-old son. It's the kind of book I would have absolutely loved as a boy. Though my childhood was not nearly as difficult as Crispin's, I would have identified with him. And now, as an adult knowing much more about medieval England, I was able to enjoy it for different reasons. I find it quite amazing that Avi included John Ball, the 'mad priest of Kent,' in a children's book!
    • 3/5
      This was a sweet story of a young boy struggling with the death of his mother. All alone in the world, Crispin is befriended by Bear who teaches him about friendship, faith and self-esteem.
    • 3/5
      A young orphan is falsely accused of theft and murder, and runs away from his home village. He meets up and joins with a traveling performer and learns secrets about his own history.
    • 4/5
      Very good historical fiction. From everything I know it was very accurate on every level. It may be a bit short of four stars. Also the ending, I think, makes it not such a great standalone read, but it is an ongoing story and I am looking forward to the continuation. I think one may have to have an interest in the history and life in that time, or not be too far beyond the age the book seems to have been written for, to thoroughly enjoy it. We'll see what I think as the story continues.
    • 4/5
      Interesting historical fiction filled with adventure and intrigue. Nothing too scary or inappropriate. Okay for 4th grade on up.
    • 3/5
      The story is about a boy accused of stealing and then murder because of his identity. He thinks he is a poor peasant but there is a mystery surrounding his birthright. Crispin must flee the only life he has ever known and learn to think for himself. He is befriended by a traveling entertainer and learns how to play the recorder and sing. In the end, he must choose between his friend and his rightful inheritance. I think it would interest 6th grade students. Quite a few people are murdered.
    • 4/5
      In a small town in medieval England lives a widow, Asta, and her nameless boy, known only as "Asta's son." Their life is poor and miserable, even by the standards of vassals in England at the time. But when Asta dies, her son suddenly finds himself pursued, for reason's he can't imagine, by the overlord of the town, and all the soldiers at his command. Forced to flee for his life, he soon encounters a roaming mummer, who seems at first to be a harsh and violent person, but whom the boy soon enough learns has plenty of good in him as well. But no matter how far they go, the overlord and his soldiers seem to still be hunting for the boy. The adventure comes to a head in a large town holding a festival, where Crispin (for that is his true name) learns why he has been sought, and has to make some difficult decisions - something he has never done for himself before.
    • 3/5
      I have checked this book out of the library on multiple occasions, only to leave it sitting on my bookshelves, unread, until I can renew it no longer. The cover of the book was just so unappealing, I couldn't make myself pick it up. Finally, I got it on my Kindle, and since I didn't have to look at the cover, I was able to make it through.

      This book is the 2003 Newbery winner and is the story of a young peasant boy in feudal England. He flees his village after the death of his mother, apprentices himself to a musician/rebel, and begins to learn about his true identity.

      I thought the story was engaging for the most part. I was thinking of going with four stars, but when I was 87% done, I completely forgot I was reading it. I got wrapped up in some other books and suddenly remembered I'd never finished this one. So I went back to it a month later. I guess a book isn't really that good if I could forget about it for so long.
    • 3/5
      This is much better than I was expecting it to be. I think my students will enjoy it and that it will be great as part of my first unit for the Common Core.
    • 3/5
      Crispin is accused of theft and declared a wolf’s head, a death sentence meaning anyone he meets has the right to kill him if they wish. Along the way, he takes up with Bear a colorful jester who believes in freedom above all else. Although danger lurks around every corner for Crispin, I found his story to be a little dragging at times. Still, it was a good read, even if I didn’t quite buy into the ending.
    • 4/5
      I've been putting off reading Crispin for years. Someone booktalked it in one of my library classes, and it sounded good, but never quite good enough for me to pick it up. But now I'm compiling a booklist for Historical Fiction, so I checked out the audio version. And I have to say, it was better than I'd expected. Mysteries surrounding Crispin's parentage, scandal, the peasant revolt of 14th-century England... there was a lot packed into this title, and the action moved along pretty briskly.

      Did I love it? No, but I didn't expect to. Even with engrossing historical detail (and sometimes just gross historical detail; what middle-school book is complete without descriptions of what the privies smell like), it's just not my bag. It was still a good book, and I'll probably rustle up the audio of the sequel at some point, but I'm not clamoring for it. 4 stars for its own merit, my opinions notwithstanding.
    • 5/5
      Lauf, lauf oder sie kriegen dich.
    • 3/5
      this book was well written but it was to disturbing for me
    • 4/5
      Avi’s Newbery-winning book of an orphan boy known at first only as ‘Asta’s son’ is a familiar one, but it is also entertaining. When his mother dies, ‘Asta’s son’ soon finds himself on the run and is forced to flee the only town and home he has ever known. Leaving with only the clothes on his back and his mother’s lead cross, he does find some people who are willing to help him, but are they truly friendly, or do they only want to find out who he really is and why he’s being tracked?This book contained adventure, mystery, and history, and I really enjoyed it. Both of my sons read the book a few years ago, and I know they really liked it as well.
    • 3/5
      Two improbabilities are the sophisticated vocabulary used by a boy who grew up as a serf in a hovel, and the principals' escape from the bad guys at the end. They no question would have ended up as toast right there at the town gates, since the heroes were in fact so weak physically. These internal incredible bits do detract from the otherwise compelling story and characters, and the well-evoked setting.Also - why is this a series, out in three books? The tale could easily fit in one volume and thus be cheaper for public libraries and school libraries to buy. Oh! I get it.
    • 4/5
      He's spent his thirteen years known simply as Son or Asta's Son for his mother, Asta never called him anything other than 'Son' (remind you of that Dos Equis commerical with 'The Most Interesting Man in the World?). Now, though, with his mother having just died and his father dead his whole life, Asta's Son is an orphan.After paying the required death tax, he truly has nothing to his name (or lack thereof) even before being falsely accused of a crime and being run out of town to avoid being killed by anyone who might see him. It's during this flight from the only home he's ever know when he is told that he does, in fact, have a real name, one he was given in secret: Crispin.Declared a 'Wolf's Head' (meaning he's no longer human and can be killed on sight) for the crime he's been accused of, Crispin must avoid everyone he's ever known while on the run. With no real idea where he's going, his only plan is to find a city with lots of people where he won't stand out and find a way to create his new life.Set in the 14th century, Crispin: Cross of Lead is the first of three books about Cripsin. This first one really introduces who he is and where he comes from (with some interesting and unexpected twists, for sure). There's a lot of history mixed in but not in a way that makes it boring or weighs the story down. The history was an integral part of the plot, from the social structure to the geography to just the way the society worked in the 14th century.The mixture of characters was really great because they kept the story moving, stayed true to the era (while still being fun, different, and not at all boring), and developed Crispin from where he was at the start to who he was at the end.It took me a little while to get into the story--to be really invested in it, but it got much more interesting and . . . attention-grabbing after about one third of the book. I am really interested in reading the second book (and the third) to see what happens in it because so much was established in this first book. (Things were also resolved well at the end of the book, though, so that you can read it as a stand-alone book, too.)While it was an MG/Children's book, some of the word choice made it seem like it fit like it fit better at the top end of that.
    • 5/5
      Crispin is about a boy named Crispin who's mother has died. Then the steward of Stamford declared him as a wolfs head for theft and murder, witch means any one can kill him and be rewarded. On his gurney to great Wexlly he meats a man named bear who teaches him how to live a entertainer. While he was in great Wexlly he found out why he and the cross that he wears is so important needs to be destroyed. This is a good book. but the story line could have been better. There needs to be more action then drama through the book. But other than that this is a great book for all ages.
    • 4/5
      Great adventure story about a serf in the Middle Ages who finds himself on the road. I love to use this book to teach about the Middle Ages because it has gread medieval detail as well as some excitement to keep the kids interested.
    • 4/5
      Set in 14th century England during a time of violent peasant uprisings; the common people were becoming disenchanted with the "Church" and longing for more freedom and equality. The story begins with a young boy, known only as Asta's son, burying his mother and feeling a deep sense of loss. Contemplating what he should do, now all alone after his mother's death, he is told by the steward to give his ox to the manor house to pay a death tax. Protesting that he would starve if he did so the steward, John Aycliffe, replies, than starve. Feeling desperate he runs into the forest, hits his head and collapses only to wake to seeing a light. He creeps toward the light and overhears a conversation between Aycliffe and another man. Unfortunately he is seen and chased down but evades capture. The following day he watches as his shelter is torn down and burned. Bewildered as to why this is happening, he seeks out the priest, Father Quinel, who tells him he is a wanted man for stealing money. The priest tells him to hide and come again the following day that he had important information to tell him about his mother and father. He tells him his christened name is Crispin and hands him a lead cross that belonged to his mother. The following night he is detained by a man who tells him that the priest isn't coming and leads him into an ambush. He flees for his life only discovering that the priest has been murdered. He wanders until he comes across a man. known as Bear, who eventually takes him under his wing and together they work to solve his true identity, which is discovered to be the bastard son of the Lord of the land, thus giving him a claim to the royal throne. A good historical fiction based on true characters; the ending is a bit unbelievable but for the audience it is geared toward it is appropriate.
    • 4/5
      In Crispin: The Cross of Lead, Avi richly recreates 14th century England in all of its squalor. Out of fear for his life, Crispin flees the only home he’s ever known into a wider and more dangerous world than he has ever imagined. Crispin’s ignorance and naivete, born of a hard life limited to the boundaries of his village, nearly get him killed several times to the frustration of both his companions and the more knowledgeable reader. However, his fear of change and eventual enjoyment in his newfound life ring true. Avi populates his story with credible and interesting characters, from a monk turned fool and spy to the petty village steward. The plot itself is fast-paced, encouraging the reader to continue reading while subtly imparting a great deal of information about life in medieval Europe. If being a Newbery Medal winner was not enough to recommend its potential appeal to preteen boys should encourage all libraries to add it to their collection.
    • 5/5
      Story of Crispin, a simple servant boy in old England that is accused of stealing from the masters home and therefor wanted dead or alive, preferably dead. He is forced to leave the only home he has ever known to save his life. Along the way he meets a Juggler who teaches him about the world, and Cripsin learns to gain his independence and value freedom.
    • 4/5
      I picked up this book at a market stall attracted by its cover. I soon discovered that it is written for teens and so (as a 45 year old), I am hardly its target audience.It is the story of a boy named Crispin from a small village set in feudal 13th century England. Soon after the death of his mother he is mysteriously accused of theft and then murder and declared a “Wolf’s Head” meaning that he can be lawfully killed by anyone that finds him for a reward. He goes on the run from his home village that he has never before left in his life.His father, hardly mentioned by his mother was said to have died in a plague but why is he being so relentlessly hunted? The answer is in the inscription on a leaden cross given to him by his mother that he cannot read. He meets a man “Bear”, apparently a travelling juggler / performer but also more than he seems who takes Crispin under his wing and becomes the father he never had.Crispin gradually pieces together the story of his true origins but in the end sacrifices his rights to save what is really important to him.The book recreates the world of feudal England very successfully. it is a world of deep piety, poverty and oppression. The development of Crispin from a deeply oppressed, scared and inhibited boy into someone who knows he can change himself, grow in confidence and in the end, take charge of his fate could be an inspiration to its young readers. For me (again, not its target audience), the story has great emotional potential but unfortunately left me dry eyed.The ending is also not very satisfying. Obviously there is a sequel but there was not enough tension remaining to inspire me to want to read it.

    Book preview

    Crispin - Nat Reed

    A Literature Kit™ FOR

    Crispin: The Cross of Lead

    By Avi

    Written by Nat Reed

    GRADES 7 - 8

    Classroom Complete Press

    P.O. Box 19729

    San Diego, CA 92159

    Tel: 1-800-663-3609 / Fax: 1-800-663-3608

    Email: service@classroomcompletepress.com

    www.classroomcompletepress.com

    ISBN 13: 978-1-55319-490-3

    eISBN: 978-1-55319-900-7

    © 2010

    Permission to Reproduce

    Permission is granted to the individual teacher who purchases one copy of this book to reproduce the student activity material for use in his or her classroom only. Reproduction of these materials for colleagues, an entire school or school system, or for commercial sale is strictly prohibited

    . No part of this publication may be transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Book Publishing Industry Development Program (BPIDP) for our publishing activities. Printed in Canada. All rights reserved.

    Critical Thinking Skills

    Crispin: The Cross of Lead

    Based on Bloom’s Taxonomy

    Contents

    Assessment Rubric

    Crispin: The Cross of Lead

    Teacher Guide

    Our resource has been created for ease of use by both TEACHERS and STUDENTS alike.

    Introduction

    Our literature kit is designed to give the teacher a number of helpful ways of making the study of this novel a more enjoyable and profitable experience for the students. Our guide features a number of useful and flexible components, from which the teacher can choose. It is not expected that all of the activities will be completed.

    One advantage to this approach to the study of this novel

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