The Silver Crown

When Ellen wakes up on her 10th birthday, she finds a silver crown on the pillow next to her head. Assuming it's a present, she takes it, goes to the park, and comes back to find her house burned down and her family presumed dead. Thus begin Ellen's adventures as she tries to evade the green-hooded men who pursue her until she finds sanctuary with her aunt in Kentucky. Alyssa Bresnahan reads with her usual assurance, portraying Ellen as a convincing and capable girl caught in extraordinary circumstances. Bresnahan lends other characters subtly distinctive voices, helping the listener keep the characters straight while not distracting from the text. This is not one of O'Brien's strongest offerings, but it makes for a satisfying listen. A.F. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine