The Cross of Lead by Avi

(From Goodreads):

'Asta's Son' is all he's ever been called. The lack of a name is appropriate, because he and his mother are but poor peasants in 14th century medieval England. But this thirteen year old boy who thought he had little to lose soon finds himself with even less---no home, no family, or possessions. Accused of a crime he did not commit, he may be killed on sight, by anyone. If he wishes to remain alive, he must flee his tiny village. All the boy takes with him is a newly revealed name--Crispin--and his mother's cross of lead.

When his mother dies, leaving him with nothing but a lead cross–not even a name–Asta's son must go on the run from the town's greedy steward, who has inexplicably labeled him a Wolf's Head and thus authorized to be killed on sight. After meeting the traveling jester Bear, however, the boy learns that the writing on his cross names him Crispin, the son of the area's Lord–which puts him in even more danger than before. Avi places us right in the thick of the Medieval action and sustains it throughout while also managing to fit in progressive ideas such as fair working conditions and personal liberty/property. I really enjoyed reading this novel, and thought that the story was believable and well written. This is a story that will appeal to the middle grade set, boys in particular.

A boy, apparently a peasant boy known only by the name of Asta's son, finds his mother has died, leaving him an orphan. His whole world shifts and changes when he is given a cross of lead by the village priest and told that his name is the noble name of Crispin. Though he does not know why, he becomes the object of a hunt and soon Crispin is on the run for his life.

While on the road, Crispin is befriended by a giant of a man known as Bear. Bear teaches Crispin the ways of the minstrel and together they make their way to the city. Neither Crispin nor Bear suspects that the city contains enemies of both of them.

A riveting story of adventure, but also a story that encourages questioning and thought. Bear is a brilliant man and he shakes Crispin's small world.

So many reviews. Donald Maass, NY literary agent and author, talked about this book in a workshop at the Surrey International Writers Conference. He read the first few pages. I was so intrigued that I bought it. I wasn't disappinted.