For the child who champions the underdog and dreams of daring deeds, this book offers fresh tales of courage and justice in the legendary Sherwood Forest.
A parent might reach for this book when their child is beginning to grapple with concepts of fairness and justice, perhaps questioning why some people have so much while others have so little. Jane Yolen's 'Sherwood' breathes new life into the classic Robin Hood legend through a series of interconnected short stories. Each tale focuses on a different character from the Merry Men (and women), exploring their backstories and motivations for joining Robin's cause. The book delves into themes of loyalty, courage, and the moral complexities of fighting injustice. Perfect for readers aged 8 to 12, it offers a thoughtful yet exciting adventure that can spark conversations about what it means to do the right thing, even when it means breaking the rules.
Deals with themes of poverty, hunger, and oppression. Characters often have sad backstories.
Sensitive Topics
The book's central conflict revolves around poverty, class injustice, and oppressive rule. Violence is present in the form of archery, staff fights, and threats, but it is not graphic or gory, fitting the adventure genre. The resolution to injustice involves breaking the law (stealing from the rich, poaching), which is consistently portrayed as a righteous and necessary act. The approach is secular and resolutions are always hopeful, as characters find safety and community.
Ideal Reader
An 8 to 11 year old with a strong, developing sense of fairness who roots for the underdog. This child enjoys historical settings and adventure stories, and is ready for a narrative with more moral complexity than simple good versus evil. It's also perfect for a reader who loves character backstories and learning the 'how' and 'why' behind a legend.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. Parents should be prepared to discuss the book's central moral question: Is it ever okay to break the law for a good reason? The book presents a clear answer, but it's a valuable opportunity for a nuanced conversation about ethics and social justice. A parent has heard their child exclaim, "That's not fair!" after witnessing an injustice at school or in the world. The child is showing an interest in heroes who fight for others, or has seen a Robin Hood movie and is curious for more of the story.
Age Experience
A younger reader, around 8 or 9, will primarily enjoy the action, the cleverness of the outlaws, and the clear dynamic of helping the poor. An older reader, 10 to 12, will better appreciate the social commentary on wealth disparity, the nuances of each character's backstory, and the lyrical quality of Yolen's prose.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many Robin Hood adaptations that are linear retellings, this is a character-driven collection of origin stories. It gives depth and agency to the entire ensemble, especially Maid Marian, who is reimagined as a skilled healer and archer rather than a simple love interest. Jane Yolen's poetic, folkloric writing style also elevates it beyond a simple action story.
Read plot summary
This book is a collection of twelve original short stories that serve as origin tales and vignettes for Robin Hood and his band. It details how key characters like Little John, Will Scarlet, Alan-a-Dale, and Maid Marian (reimagined as Marien, a runaway novice nun) came to join the outlaws. Each story explores an individual's struggle against the cruelty of the Sheriff of Nottingham and other wealthy landowners, culminating in them finding a home and purpose within the Sherwood Forest community.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
In the book, Robin Hood and his friends steal from the rich to give to the poor. Do you think it is ever okay to break a rule or a law? Why or why not?
2
Many of the characters join the Merry Men because of something unfair that happened to them. Which character's backstory did you find the most interesting or surprising?
3
Jane Yolen's version of Maid Marian (Marien) is a strong and capable healer and archer. How is she different from other princesses or female characters you've read about?
4
The Sheriff of Nottingham is the main villain. What makes him a 'bad guy'? Is it just his greed, or are there other reasons?
5
The Merry Men form a 'found family' in the forest. What does it mean to be a family with people you are not related to?
