Crispin: The Cross of Lead

I'm curious about how the historical setting was chosen and how it influences the characters' journey. Did Avi do specific research to bring this era to life?

The story seemed to focus heavily on the protagonist's inner growth. How did that balance with the adventure elements in your reading experience?

The symbolism of the cross was intriguing and added depth to the plot. I wonder if the author planned this motif from the beginning or developed it during writing.