Crispen the Cross of Lead Study Guide

Progeny Press: Crispen the Cross of Lead

The boy had always been called "Asta's son," but when Asta, his mother, dies, the village priest reveals that his Christian name is Crispin. The priest also gives Crispin his mother's lead cross and promises to reveal what the words etched on its surface mean. But before he can tell Crispin, the priest is murdered and Crispin accused of the crime.

Believing the cross holds clues to his father's identity, Crispin flees, eventually joining up with a traveling juggler named Bear.

Full of surprises, thrills, treachery, contentment, and a hearty dose of what life was actually like in the 14th century, Crispin is also a story of faith, developing maturity, and learning what freedom and manhood really mean.

Through Avi's immersive tale of the Middle Ages, students will learn:

About the Author: Learn about Avi.

Background Information: Medieval timekeeping, feudalism.

Vocabulary words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth.

Literary Techniques: Paradox, mood, simile, metaphor, in context, alliteration, foreshadow, platitude, synonym, turning point, hyperbole, cliffhanger, personification, domino effect, epiphany, conflict, story structure, theme, protagonist, dynamic vs. static, contrivance, motif, point of view.

Moral Lessons and Character Values:  Life and death, judgement, eternal life, God is with us, joy, worry, prayer, responsibility, heavenly Father, faith, honor.

Activities and Writing Assignments:  Historical fiction, Middle Ages, cook, art, heritage, St. Giles, sanctuary, St. Crispin, juggling, life skills, freedom of religion, writing, history, music, mural.

Suggestions for Further Reading:  We include a wonderful reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi.

All of the unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!  

• Age Level = 12 and up
• Book Author = Robert DeLong
• Book Material = Paperback
• Book Publisher = Progeny Press
• Copyright = c2008
• Grade Level = 6-8
• Condition = New