AVI. Crispin. The Cross of Lead. NY: Hyperion [2002]. 8vo, [viii] 262pp. Color pictorial boards. Navy endpapers; b&w frontispiece. A fine copy in original color pictorial dust jacket (no medal affixed). Signed by the author, Newbery Medalist Avi.

First edition. 2003 Newbery Medal Winner! When 14^th century peasant, Crispin, is orphaned and accused of a crime he did not commit, he is forced to leave the town he’s known his entire life and venture out on his own. On the road he encounters Bear, a huge and possibly mad juggler who forces Crispin to become his servant. Chased by unknown enemies of Bear, Crispin must become a very different person than he has been thus far if he is going to survive.