FICTION, FANTASY, & YOUNG ADULT

CRISPIN, CROSS OF LEAD By Avi

2003 Newbery Award Winner

"But this cross-" I began.  He cut me off. " I know what it is.  It's made of lead.  Made in countless numbers during the Great Death.  Never blessed, they were given to the dying as false comfort.  They're as common as the leaves and just as sacred.  "Crispin, as Jesus is my witness, chuches, priests - they're all unneeded.  The only cross you need is the one in your heart."

Avi. 2002. Crispin, Cross of Lead. New York: Hyprion Books. ISBN: 0-7868-0828-4      He is known as Asta’s son.  He is penniless, illiterate, and taunted by the people in his village.  It seems as though things could get no worse for this young man and yet, they do.  His mother dies, his friend Father Quinel is murdered, and he is accused of a crime that he did not commit.  Fearing for his life, he begins a terrifying flight across England with a real name and his mother’s cross.  He is pursued relentlessly, befriends a man named “Bear,” and finally learns the truth about himself and his family. Set in 14th-century England, Crispin, Cross of Lead, is a compelling story filled with page turning excitement.  Readers learn plenty of historical information about feudalism from Cripin’s explanations and from the dialogue he has with others.  Such as when Crispin is declared a “Wolf’s Head,” and anyone could kill him like the animal they thought he was.  The historical information is integrated nicely and does not overwhelm the story.  However, the characters do speak about God, their faith, and religion quite often.  This may make some readers uncomfortable but Christianity was a focal point in most lives during this time.  Overall, the mystery, the treachery, and the friendship between Crispin and “Bear” make this book one smart read.

What the Critics Have to Say... Avi's plot is engineered for maximum thrills, with twists, turns and treachery aplenty, but it's the compellingly drawn relationship between Crispin and Bear that provides the heart of this story - Publishers Weekly Avi has done an excellent job of integrating background and historical information, of pacing the plot so that the book is a page-turner from beginning to end, and of creating characters for whom readers will have great empathy - School Library Journal Readers may not understand every nuance of the political machinations that propel the story, but they will feel the shifting winds of change beginning to blow through a feudal society - Booklist

HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE By J. K. Rowling

British National Book Award 1997 Gold Medal Smarties Prize 1997 New York Times Bestseller Publishers Weekly Best Book of 1998 ALA Notable Book Parenting Book of the Year Award 1998 Booklist Editor's Choice

The last thing Harry saw before the hat dropped over his eyes was the hall full of people craning to get a good look at him.  Next second he was looking at the black indside of the hat.  He waited.  "Hmm," said a small voice in his ear. "Difficult.  Very Difficult.  Plenty of courage, I see.  Not a bad mind either.  There's talent, oh my goodness, yes - and a nice thirst to prove yourself, now that's interesting...So where shall I put you?" Harry gripped the edges of the stool and thought, Not Slytherin, not Slytherin.

Rowling, J.K. 1997. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. New York: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN: 0-59035342-X

Harry Potter is glum.  Life with Uncle, Aunt, and Cousin Dursley is absolutely dreadful.  They ignore him, make him eat leftovers, and enjoy locking him in a cupboard.  He has no one and he is no one.  But that all changes the day he receives an unsolicited acceptance letter from The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  Harry learns that an evil sorcerer named Voldemort killed his parents.  The powerful sorcerer was unable to kill Harry and this has made him a legend in the world of witches and wizards.  Harry travels to the academy aboard The Hogwarts Express and enters into a fantastical place filled with eager students, impressive professors, and magical creatures.  Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is a rocking good read!  This high fantasy novel has it all. The characters are convincing, the plot flows rapidly, Hogwarts is described vividly, and the dialogue is entertaining.  Emerging naturally from this enchanting tale is the theme of good versus evil.  J.K. Rowling is a creative genius.  This book is filled with new and fascinating things like Quidditch, Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans, and a Sorting Hat.  The story line is fresh and fun and it will leave kids begging for more and/or waiting for their Hogwarts acceptance letter to arrive!

What the Critics Have to Say... Readers are in for a delightful romp with this debut from a British author who dances in the footsteps of P.L. Travers and Roald Dahl - Publishers Weekly Like Harry Potter, [J.K. Rowling] has soared beyond her modest Muggle surroundings to achieve something quite special - The New York Times This hugely enjoyable fantasy is filled with imaginative details, from oddly flavored jelly beans to dragons' eggs hatched on the hearth - Kirkus Reviews

WANT MORE?  CLICK HERE!