Nate Donovan

Marc Cashman's easy-to-listen-to voice enlivens the latest in the Crimson Cross series. The series follows a silver and ruby relic of the Holy Land, which was originally given to Christopher Columbus and is ritually passed on to a young person for his/her heroic contribution to American history. Fifteen-year-old Nate Donovan, whose Quaker family's home is being used by the British Army occupying Philadelphia, participates in dangerous missions as a spy for George Washington and is given the Crimson Cross. Cashman voices the large cast of characters with ease. Nate, in particular, sounds authentic and youthful. Narrating at an unhurried tempo, Cashman sets each scene and draws the listener into Nate's world. Endnotes provide information on the historical aspects of the story. C.R.A. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

March 1, 2011

Gr 3-6-Nate Donovan lives with his Irish Quaker family in British-occupied Philadelphia during the War for Independence. His father has strong Quaker beliefs, is against killing and lying, and doesn't want his children to join the war. Charles, Nate's older brother, announces he is enlisting in the Continental Army. When the British occupy the Donovan home, Nate must take his younger twin siblings to stay with their Aunt who runs a tavern. There Nate discovers the tavern is used as a meeting place for patriot spy missions and is invited to become a member of the network established by General George Washington. Running Fox, a local Indian, teaches Nate how to spy. If caught, the boy could face death by hanging. Marc Cashman uses his voice effectively to make each character come to life in this historical fiction title (B&H Pub., 2007) by Peter Marshall, David Manuel, and Sheldon Maxwell. His voicing of Running Fox's choppy English and the British and Irish accents of the numerous generals, captains, and colonels is spot-on. The conclusion provides an historical note that offers additional information about the people, places, and events of the War. A good selection for family listening and for generating discussion about history and faith.-Janet Weber, Tigard Public Library, OR

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