Avi’s Newbery-winning book of an orphan boy known at first only as ‘Asta’s son’ is a familiar one, but it is also entertaining. When his mother dies, ‘Asta’s son’ soon finds himself on the run and is forced to flee the only town and home he has ever known. Leaving with only the clothes on his back and his mother’s lead cross, he does find some people who are willing to help him, but are they truly friendly, or do they only want to find out who he really is and why he’s being tracked?
This book contained adventure, mystery, and history, and I really enjoyed it. Both of my sons read the book a few years ago, and I know they really liked it as well.
2002, 297 pp.
