Crispin The Cross of Lead: Making history come alive!

Title: Crispin The Cross of Lead
Author: Avi
Age Range: 9-12
Genre: Historical Fiction

I will confess immediately, that in high school, history was one of my least favorite subjects.  I forced myself to study, but the dates, the REASONS why things happened the way they did, the cause and effects all were not my cup of tea.   I preferred thinking about other things, namely reading books.  In retrospect, I wish I had read more historical fiction while growing up as I think it would have changed how I perceived history.  The smaller stories of how history affected individuals lives is much more interesting to me, and somehow makes history that much more palatable.

I know I am not alone in this, as I talk to many of my students and many say that they do not enjoy history.  For them, this book may be a bit hard, as it is strongly detailed in historical facts, even though the story itself is fiction. In the book takes place in the 1300's, and in it,  Asta's Son, whom we later find out is Crispin, is forced to run away from the small feudal village of which he is a part.  He is framed as a criminal, and the head steward of that village is out to get him.  It is not clear why the steward needs to kill him, but it becomes clear that he is absolutely committed to getting rid of Crispin.

Crispin is forced to run away, in dirty clothes, with no money, no food, and no ability to read or write.  He runs and somehow meets a huge hulk of a man, Bear, who takes him under his wing.  Bear is a wonderful protector of Crispin, although Crispin initially does not trust Bear, nor does he want to be at all a part of Bear's life.  In the end, Crispin risks everything to save Bear, as Bear has done his utmost to save Crispin from the steward.

It is a thrilling book with lots of rich historical details.  However, there is quite a bit of violence in the book, images of men decaying in the gallows, heads cut off, and bloody wounds.  Some of the ideas may also be a bit complex - an orphan child with no parents, whom we discover is actually born out of wedlock to a noble lady who was basically taken (as in raped) without her consent.  The words rape, sex are not used in the book, but are in the background as things that will come up, because it is revealed that Crispin is actually the illegitimate bastard son of the Lord Furnival, a debauched, less-than-lovely character.

It is a wonderfully complex book to read, with rich historical details and may perhaps inspire someone to become slightly more interested in history. 

The Secret School: Historical fiction that is so charming

Title: The Secret School

Author: Avi

Age Range: 8-12

Genre: Historical Fiction

I might be a pushover about this book because it is about schools, teaching, and the desire for education.  I am, after all a former teacher.  It probably does resonate with me on that level which may color why I am so keen on this book.  But it is really charming, funny to read and heart-warming.  

The story follows a 14-year girl named Ida, who is the daughter of sheep farmers in rural Colorado.  Going to school is a luxury, and going to high school is far-off dream, but one that Ida intends to pursue.  Her parents, although they want to support her, remind her that the farm must come first, as it is the farm that supports the family and puts food in their mouths.  Ida understands that she must commit to the farm, but at the same time wants to pursue education and go to high school.   She attends school in a tiny one-room school house, and is preparing for her high school entrance exams when she learns devastating news.  Her teacher has to leave to take care of her mother and the head of the school board has decided not to hire a new teacher.

Ida is extremely affected by the news, as it means that she will not be able to take her high school entrance exam.  Also affected is her friend Tom who is also planning on taking the exam.  He suggests to her that she become the teacher, teaching the class so that the school can stay open, but without telling the Board of Education that she is doing it.  Ida discusses this idea with her parents and upon hearing the plan, gently remind Ida that the farm must come first, school or no school.  Ida decides to take on the challenge and she begins the challenge of teaching the different classes, studying for her own high school entrance exam and keeping on top of her chores on the farm.

The funniest part of the book to me was how Ida gets to school each day.  As it is a five mile trip, walking would be arduous.  Fortunately she has a car (no license but it doesn't seem to make a difference) but she is unable to reach the clutch and the accelerator.  She has her brother stoop by the foot pedals and she barks out orders so that he can help her change gears.  It is hysterical and made me laugh.  (Maybe because I don't drive stick either?)

It's a wonderful book to read, for both boys and girls alike.