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Great historical fiction. Great fun.

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, 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!

“Like all villagers, we were required to ask the steward's permission to be excused from work if ill, to grind our wheat, or bake it, to buy or sell, to travel from our parish, to marry, even to baptize our children.“

I would use this book in a classroom setting to help children have a better understanding of medieval times and to teach them about historical fiction.

This was a good historical fiction book because the stories accurately reflect the spirit and values of the time, as well as the events. The author researched and read about medieval times to have a better understanding and knowledge of this time period. The story takes place when the English spoke middle English and the author tried to keep it similar but more readable for English speakers today. So, the language of the narrative was appropriate.

Tonight's #mcpl is another Newbery I've yet to read. Found in a used bookstore without the die cut being trashed which is frankly a miracle (which is further why I don't really like die cut covers). #mctbr