The Silver Crown by Robert O'Brien

The Silver Crown

Ellen had known all along she was a queen, and the silver crown she found on her pillow on her tenth birthday only went to prove it. Proudly wearing her new present, she tiptoed out for an early morning walk that was to lead her into the realms of deepest danger.
Suddenly people were pursuing her, or was it the crown they were after? She mustn't let it go at all costs, but whom could she trust? Aunt Sarah was the only person and she was four-hundred miles away.
So with her priceless possession and with the help of her new friend Otto and his talking crow Richard, Ellen travelled cross-country on a strange trail beset by mystery and adventure. But would she reach her destination?

Newbery Award winner Robert O'Brien has written a powerful, fast-moving and eerie fantasy set in haunted forests and bleak landscapes.