For the young reader who believes in fighting for what's right and longs for adventure, this retelling of Robin Hood brings familiar legends to life with depth and warmth.
A parent might reach for this book when their thoughtful tween is beginning to grapple with injustice and longs for stories where ordinary people make a difference. This novel retells the classic legend of Robin Hood, but with a grounded, human touch. It follows a young man named Robin who, after one fateful mistake, becomes an outlaw and the reluctant leader of a band of misfits in Sherwood Forest. McKinley focuses on the emotional weight of their choices, the strength of their loyalty, and the fear and bravery required to fight for what is right. It's an ideal adventure for readers 10-14 who are ready for more character depth and moral complexity than simpler good-versus-evil tales.
The conclusion of the story is bittersweet and involves loss and sacrifice.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with violence and death. The inciting incident is a killing, and battles with arrows and swords result in more deaths. The violence is not gratuitous but is treated as a serious and often tragic consequence of the characters' actions. The resolution is bittersweet and realistic for the legend: it acknowledges sacrifice and loss, and the ending is more poignant than triumphant, reflecting the end of an era. The approach is secular.
Ideal Reader
A thoughtful 11 to 14 year old who loves classic adventures but is ready for more complex characters and themes. This reader is developing a strong sense of justice and is intrigued by the idea that heroes can be reluctant, scared, and full of self-doubt. It's a perfect bridge from straightforward middle grade fantasy to more nuanced young adult historical fiction.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared for conversations about violence and the morality of breaking the law for a greater good. The final few chapters contain significant character deaths and a somber tone that may be upsetting for some readers. A preview of the ending can help a parent frame a discussion about sacrifice, legacy, and why not all stories have perfectly happy endings. The parent hears their child express frustration about unfairness, saying things like, "That's not right!" or wondering why someone doesn't "do something" about a problem. The child is questioning authority and grappling with the idea that doing the right thing can be complicated and even dangerous.
Age Experience
A younger reader (10-11) will likely be captivated by the action, the archery, and the cleverness of the outlaws' escapes. They will see a clear story of good versus evil. An older reader (12-14) will appreciate the psychological depth: Robin's reluctance as a leader, Marian's competence and agency, the moral gray areas, and the bittersweet, realistic conclusion to the legend.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many swashbuckling Robin Hood adaptations, McKinley's version is a character study grounded in realism. Her Robin is no gleeful rogue but a burdened, thoughtful young man. The focus is less on daring-do and more on the creation of a community and the emotional cost of rebellion. Marian is a fully realized character, a partner rather than a prize, whose skills are essential to the group's survival.
Read plot summary
In 12th century England, a young forester named Robin of Loxley accidentally kills one of the Sheriff of Nottingham's men. Forced to flee into Sherwood Forest, he becomes an outlaw. He gradually gathers a group of followers, including the giant Little John, the fierce Will Scarlet, and the skilled healer and archer, Maid Marian. This band of 'Merry Men' becomes a symbol of hope for the oppressed poor, robbing from the rich and corrupt to provide for those in need. The novel focuses on the group's formation, their internal struggles, and their attempts to survive and maintain their ideals against the constant threat of the Sheriff.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Robin never wanted to be a hero or a leader. Why do you think people chose to follow him? What qualities made him a good leader, even if he didn't see them in himself?
2
In this version of the story, Marian is a skilled healer and archer who lives in the forest with the men. How does her active role, compared to being a damsel in distress, change the story?
3
The outlaws break the law by stealing, yet they do it to help people who are starving. Is it ever okay to do something wrong for the right reasons? Discuss where you think the line is.
4
The end of the book is not a simple 'happily ever after.' Why do you think the author chose a more somber ending for the legend? What does it say about the outlaws' fight for justice?
