Description
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.
Crispin: The Cross of Lead Digital Download Literature Study Guide
Formatted with your Middle School grade student in mind, Progeny Press language arts study guides divide the book into writing assignments and lessons that strengthen their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and refine their critical analysis and writing skills. Each Progeny Press novel study accomplishes all of this without busy work that can drain the fun out of reading and literature! Kids have loved using Progeny Press ELA curriculum in homeschool, co-ops, and private schools around the world for over 30 years!
What Progeny Press' Crispin: The Cross of Lead Literature Curriculum Digital Study Guide provides your Middle School student:
ELA Built for Ages 11–14 • Grades 6–8
Our faith-based literature study guide helps students strengthen their reading and comprehension skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
About the Author: Learn about the life and background of Avi.
Background Information: Journey to medieval times, exploring the intricacies of timekeeping and the feudal system that sets the stage for the novel.
Vocabulary: Enhance your understanding of the novel's language through activities that improve vocabulary development.
Literary Techniques: Examine what creates engaging stories by exploring paradox, mood, simile, metaphor, in-context usage, alliteration, foreshadowing, platitude, synonym exploration, identifying turning points, hyperbole, cliffhangers, personification, domino effects, epiphany moments, conflicts, story structure, thematic elements, protagonist analysis, dynamic vs. static characters, contrivance, motif, and various points of view.
Moral Lessons and Character Values: Reflect on themes such as life and death, judgement, the promise of eternal life, the constant presence of God, finding joy, overcoming worry through prayer, embracing responsibility, recognizing God as the heavenly Father, nurturing faith, and honoring one's convictions.
Activities and Writing Assignments: Immerse yourself in historical fiction, the Middle Ages, culinary exploration, artistic endeavors, heritage appreciation, celebrating St. Giles and St. Crispin, juggling, life skills development, understanding freedom of religion, engaging in various writing exercises, exploring history, enjoying music, and contributing to mural creation.
Suggestions for Further Reading: Continue your reading journey with a carefully curated reading list featuring more works by the same author(s) and other books that complement, Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi.
What Will You Need?
A Complete Language Arts Experience with Progeny Press
- A copy of Crispin: The Cross of Lead
- A Bible (digital or physical)
- A dictionary (child-friendly or online)
This flexible homeschool resource includes open-ended discussions and optional writing activities that support foundational ELA skills without overwhelming growing learners.
Designed for YOU
- Homeschool families looking for Christian literature curriculum
- Schools looking for high quality ELA materials
- Parents wanting to build reading comprehension and character
- Co-ops and small group instruction
These guides work well on their own or alongside your preferred grammar and phonics program.
Features and Benefits FAQ - Progeny Press ELA PDF Study Guide:
Why Schools & Families Love Our Study Guides:
- Easy to follow and open-and-go
- Encourages family discussions and biblical connections
- Engaging activities that support reading comprehension
- Grows with your child’s ability and interest
- No busywork—just meaningful, faith-filled learning
Digital Format Details:
- Download instantly—no shipping required
- Works on Mac, PC, and most tablets
- Fillable form fields allow on-screen answers or easy printing
- No costly software purchases necessary. PDF files open in the FREE Adobe Reader program.
Note: Mobile devices may require an alternative app that supports and saves fillable form fields and interactive features. - Conveniently print what you need, when you need it
- Print the whole ELA study guide at once
- Print single literature lessons or pages as the student completes them
- Print multiple copies of the entire curriculum study guide for classroom sets
All of Progeny Press' language arts PDF download unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!
