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Rowan Hood #1
Rowan Hood: Outlaw Girl of Sherwood Forest
Rosemary 13, her half-elf mother burnt as a witch, sets off for her unknown father Robin Hood. She disguises herself as a boy Rowan, befriends half-wolf Tykell, overgrown enchanting minstrel Lionel, and runaway princess Ettarde. Vicious Guy of Gisborne wears a black horse-head hide. But Robin says his camp is no place for a girl.
170 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2001
19 people are currently reading
2677 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Springer
191 books2,345 followersBIO -- NANCY SPRINGER
Nancy Springer has passed the fifty-book milestone, having written that many novels for adults, young adults and children, in genres including mythic fantasy, contemporary fiction, magical realism, horror, and mystery -- although she did not realize she wrote mystery until she won the Edgar Allan Poe Award from the Mystery Writers of America two years in succession. DARK LIE, recently released from NAL, is her first venture into mass-market psychological suspense.
Born in Montclair, New Jersey, Nancy Springer moved with her family to Gettysburg, of Civil War fame, when she was thirteen. She spent the next forty-six years in Pennsylvania, raising two children (Jonathan, now 38, and Nora, 34), writing, horseback riding, fishing, and birdwatching. In 2007 she surprised her friends and herself by moving with her second husband to an isolated area of the Florida panhandle, where the birdwatching is spectacular and where, when fishing, she occasionally catches an alligator.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
December 30, 2024
13 year old Rosemary is told by her mother that Robin Hood is her father. After her mother dies and changing her name Rowan, she seeks to find Robin Hood and the truth.
March 14, 2016
What a strange feeling to read a book and feel like it was written with me in mind. I picked this one up on a whim. I love stories with mediaeval settings, have a soft spot for tales of Robin Hood, and the title character shares my name -- my chosen name. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much. I had never heard of the book or its author, and thought it might be nothing more than mildly diverting children's lit.
In the first chapter, the book surprised me, and I revised my estimates, both of my expectations, and of the target audience. This is not a book for ages 9-12, but more like 12-15. I was a little worried when there was magic so quickly in the story. I like fantasy, but I'm wary of seeing it mixed with historical settings and non-magical legends. But in the end, I felt like this book had just the right amount of magic and flavour of paganism about it.
And then -- then 13-year-old Rosemary rejects her femininity, declaring outright that she does not want to be a girl or anything that comes with it, dresses herself in boy's clothes, adopts the name Rowan -- and I was lost. I know some people would consider Rowan a Marysue, with her magic half-elfin mother, Robin Hood as her secret father, elf-gifted bow and arrows, and special half-wolf dog, but I don't care; she is everything I want from a young protagonist: tough, brave, kind, competent -- and nonbinary. Yes, I know that the author is probably just making comment, via the character, that being young and female in the mediaeval period sucked, but I choose to read the character as nonbinary, and there is nothing in the text to contradict this reading. Sometimes Rowan wishes to be more feminine, and sometimes more masculine, and neither choice is framed as a bad thing.
Rowan is befriended by three other characters who don't fit into the world they inhabit: a half-wolf pup she names Tykell, a large, sensitive, somewhat feminine minstrel boy named Lionell, and a runaway princess named Ettarde, who scorns her father's plans to marry her off, as well as the idea that a woman's only value is in her appearance and her chastity. Together, they rescue Robin Hood from the Sherriff of Nottingham, and Rowan must decide whether or not to tell him he's her father, and that she's not the outlaw boy he thinks she is.
The story was engaging, and in places, surprising. The characters were likeable and realistic (the villains were a little flat, but oh well). The ending was satisfying and unexpected. I read the whole thing in one sitting. I want to believe that Rowan grew up gender non-conforming, into a great healer and fighter, and that she and Etty fell in love, and lived happily ever after. ... And I just checked and apparently there are 5 books in this series, as well as many other books by this author. I may need do some more reading!
In the first chapter, the book surprised me, and I revised my estimates, both of my expectations, and of the target audience. This is not a book for ages 9-12, but more like 12-15. I was a little worried when there was magic so quickly in the story. I like fantasy, but I'm wary of seeing it mixed with historical settings and non-magical legends. But in the end, I felt like this book had just the right amount of magic and flavour of paganism about it.
And then -- then 13-year-old Rosemary rejects her femininity, declaring outright that she does not want to be a girl or anything that comes with it, dresses herself in boy's clothes, adopts the name Rowan -- and I was lost. I know some people would consider Rowan a Marysue, with her magic half-elfin mother, Robin Hood as her secret father, elf-gifted bow and arrows, and special half-wolf dog, but I don't care; she is everything I want from a young protagonist: tough, brave, kind, competent -- and nonbinary. Yes, I know that the author is probably just making comment, via the character, that being young and female in the mediaeval period sucked, but I choose to read the character as nonbinary, and there is nothing in the text to contradict this reading. Sometimes Rowan wishes to be more feminine, and sometimes more masculine, and neither choice is framed as a bad thing.
Rowan is befriended by three other characters who don't fit into the world they inhabit: a half-wolf pup she names Tykell, a large, sensitive, somewhat feminine minstrel boy named Lionell, and a runaway princess named Ettarde, who scorns her father's plans to marry her off, as well as the idea that a woman's only value is in her appearance and her chastity. Together, they rescue Robin Hood from the Sherriff of Nottingham, and Rowan must decide whether or not to tell him he's her father, and that she's not the outlaw boy he thinks she is.
The story was engaging, and in places, surprising. The characters were likeable and realistic (the villains were a little flat, but oh well). The ending was satisfying and unexpected. I read the whole thing in one sitting. I want to believe that Rowan grew up gender non-conforming, into a great healer and fighter, and that she and Etty fell in love, and lived happily ever after. ... And I just checked and apparently there are 5 books in this series, as well as many other books by this author. I may need do some more reading!
July 21, 2023
I just read this again, and it was even better than I had remembered! There were definitely elements of Enola Holmes in this work, Ms Springer, your characters are just as lovely as I remembered them...okay maybe even more!
All in all, this got bumped up to 5 stars because it's incredible.
ALSO ETTARDE IS HANDS DOWN THE BEST BOOK CHARACTER IN THIS SERIES AND MAYBE EVER.
SECOND ONLY TO ENOLA.
SERIOUSLY.
What is up with these heroes and their E names and their amazingness?! :D
*going to grab Lionclaw now. ;D
-----
Wait a second...I remember reading this a long time ago and loving it! Can't remember anything about the story except that I LOVED that she disguised herself as a boy and went after her father! And her female companion was really cool and probably my favorite character (Alas, I cannot remember her name), while Rowan herself was a bit spoiled and was definitely too naive to be leading a group of people (do two people count as a group?? I don't know.... Well, now they do!)
I remember thinking that this book was definitely different from Springer's Enola Holmes series (which drastically shaped my viewpoint on Sherlock Holmes - read my comment in the Sherlockians! if you're interested in my story), and yet, not as enjoyable. But, I did love that one female character whose name I plumb forgot. She had a head on her shoulders!
I honestly don't remember anything else about the book. Because of that, I would have rated the book lower, except that I really loved that female character, and I love the plotline idea and the world that it's set in.
All in all, this got bumped up to 5 stars because it's incredible.
ALSO ETTARDE IS HANDS DOWN THE BEST BOOK CHARACTER IN THIS SERIES AND MAYBE EVER.
SECOND ONLY TO ENOLA.
SERIOUSLY.
What is up with these heroes and their E names and their amazingness?! :D
*going to grab Lionclaw now. ;D
-----
Wait a second...I remember reading this a long time ago and loving it! Can't remember anything about the story except that I LOVED that she disguised herself as a boy and went after her father! And her female companion was really cool and probably my favorite character (Alas, I cannot remember her name), while Rowan herself was a bit spoiled and was definitely too naive to be leading a group of people (do two people count as a group?? I don't know.... Well, now they do!)
I remember thinking that this book was definitely different from Springer's Enola Holmes series (which drastically shaped my viewpoint on Sherlock Holmes - read my comment in the Sherlockians! if you're interested in my story), and yet, not as enjoyable. But, I did love that one female character whose name I plumb forgot. She had a head on her shoulders!
I honestly don't remember anything else about the book. Because of that, I would have rated the book lower, except that I really loved that female character, and I love the plotline idea and the world that it's set in.
October 11, 2010
Rowan Hood: Outlaw Girl of Sherwood Forest was a bit silly at times, but hey, it's in the YA section, so it's bound to have a bit of childlike fun in it. On the whole I really, really enjoyed the book, which is part Robin Hood, part My Side of the Mountain, and part The Mists of Avalon.
Reading this made me want to pick up more Nancy Springer. Upon entering this review I learned that Rowan Hood: Outlaw Girl of Sherwood Forest is actually part of series. This pleases me greatly, but I'm also curious to see how Nancy Springer does writing for grown-ups.
Lots to explore among Nancy Springer's work. I'm looking forward to it.
Reading this made me want to pick up more Nancy Springer. Upon entering this review I learned that Rowan Hood: Outlaw Girl of Sherwood Forest is actually part of series. This pleases me greatly, but I'm also curious to see how Nancy Springer does writing for grown-ups.
Lots to explore among Nancy Springer's work. I'm looking forward to it.
November 17, 2011
3 1/2
From the author of the Enola Holmes stories (which, if you've been paying attention, you know I adore) - a similar type of story which follows the daughter of Robin Hood. Since I quite like Robin Hood as much as Sherlock Holmes, I just had to give them a go.
I thought the story was pretty good, and I liked the magical/fae (aelfe in the book) aspects of the story, definitely adding a fantasy element to the story.
I admit I was a bit worried that the stories would be a little too similar to the EH books, but I think Springer did a good job of making the characters and the narration/voice of the two series very different - both of which suited to their particular heroines. (Also, this one is told in third person perspective, which gives it a different feel.)
I thought the character of Rowan was fairly well developed, but a lot of the other characters were less so. As the beginning of a series it was a good general introduction - even if I wish - but I look forward to more development in the future.
I will, definitely, be continuing with this series.
From the author of the Enola Holmes stories (which, if you've been paying attention, you know I adore) - a similar type of story which follows the daughter of Robin Hood. Since I quite like Robin Hood as much as Sherlock Holmes, I just had to give them a go.
I thought the story was pretty good, and I liked the magical/fae (aelfe in the book) aspects of the story, definitely adding a fantasy element to the story.
I admit I was a bit worried that the stories would be a little too similar to the EH books, but I think Springer did a good job of making the characters and the narration/voice of the two series very different - both of which suited to their particular heroines. (Also, this one is told in third person perspective, which gives it a different feel.)
I thought the character of Rowan was fairly well developed, but a lot of the other characters were less so. As the beginning of a series it was a good general introduction - even if I wish - but I look forward to more development in the future.
I will, definitely, be continuing with this series.
October 8, 2021
Loved it
January 17, 2022
2.5 stars
March 1, 2010
Thirteen-year-old Rosemary and her mother, a healer with elfin blood and powers, have always lived alone in a small cottage in the forest. The villagers come to her mother for cures, but the lord and his men fear and distrust her, believing her to be a witch. But Rosemary never expects that they would go so far as to kill her mother. But in just a few moments on a peaceful day, they do. Rosemary knows the same men who killed her mother might now come after her, even though she lacks her mother's powers. So she takes on a new identity. Disguised as a boy, Rowan, she sets off to find the man her mother has always told her was her father, the famous outlaw Robin Hood. Along to way, she teams up with a giant boy whose size does not match his scared nature, and a princess fleeing an arrange marriage. But even with the help of her new friends, will she find her father?
I recommend this enjoyable historical fantasy adventure to young readers, especially to girls who enjoy stories featuring strong heroines. There are several other books in the series about Rowan Hood and her friends, and the other books are enjoyable reads as well.
I recommend this enjoyable historical fantasy adventure to young readers, especially to girls who enjoy stories featuring strong heroines. There are several other books in the series about Rowan Hood and her friends, and the other books are enjoyable reads as well.
July 2, 2013
First in a series of 5. This really is a kids’ book, but it’s fun light reading, and may also be enjoyed by those of all ages who are fans of the Robin Hood legend. Rowan (or Rosemary) has always been told by her mother that she is the daughter of the outlaw Robin Hood. When she is left alone in the world, she decides to run off to the forest, disguised as a boy, to join Robin’s band, and to find out what kind of man her absentee father might be.
There are the expected outside-the-law hijinks, as well as some mythic revelations (it seems that Rowan is also a quarter elven, although this never plays heavily into the plot (perhaps it becomes significant in subsequent books?)
Rowan must come to terms with Robin Hood and with herself, as she matures and forms her own group of friends in the greenwood.
There are the expected outside-the-law hijinks, as well as some mythic revelations (it seems that Rowan is also a quarter elven, although this never plays heavily into the plot (perhaps it becomes significant in subsequent books?)
Rowan must come to terms with Robin Hood and with herself, as she matures and forms her own group of friends in the greenwood.
December 17, 2016
Again, there are readers who will be delighted that this is the beginning of a series. But I only read it for something a little different, a break from my usual fare. And I did like, but not love it. I, personally, wanted more about Robin, as I've not ever yet read a good story about him.
I do have a question, though, for those of you who know horses.
"[The horses] broke their tethers and galloped in several directions. They formed herds by color, as horses will, with the gray horses taking off mostly northward, and the bays mostly to the south. The guards... ran after the more valuable dapple grays."
So, does that make sense? Do horses seem to affiliate by color? Are, or were, grays more valuable? Why?
I do have a question, though, for those of you who know horses.
"[The horses] broke their tethers and galloped in several directions. They formed herds by color, as horses will, with the gray horses taking off mostly northward, and the bays mostly to the south. The guards... ran after the more valuable dapple grays."
So, does that make sense? Do horses seem to affiliate by color? Are, or were, grays more valuable? Why?
April 7, 2021
3-1/2 Stars
I’m in the process of deciding our Medieval literature curriculum for next year. To that end, I’ll be reading a lot of Robin Hood retellings in the next month. My plan is to read selected stories from Howard Pyle’s The Adventures of Robin Hood and His Merry Men to my 4th-8th grade literature classes, while they read a more modern retelling independently. The Pyle version that we typically use as independent reading is great, but I’m not in love with the episodic nature of the tales, and I’d like my more reluctant readers to have the opportunity to read a Robin Hood story without the archaic diction. I’m trying hard to walk that line between exposure to a denser classic and the pleasure of a zippier modern spin-off.
I’ve made a goal to do this with all our usual Medieval reads: Beowulf, The Legend of King Arthur, 1001 Arabian Nights, The Canterbury Tales, etc. I already know I’ll be supplementing our classroom reading of The Canterbury Tales with The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz for their independent reading. I know my 7th & 8th graders will read Freak the Mighty along with King Arthur, but I’m not certain some of my 4th-6th grade students (or their parents) are ready for the heartbreak of reading about a child their age struggling with a terminal illness. Honestly, I think kids benefit from these types of stories when they’re done well, but we’re a small private school, and our students tend to be pretty sheltered, so this will require some discussion with my administrators.
Anyway, wish me luck. Also, feel free to send your suggestions for modern retellings or stories with similar themes/settings that would enhance the above classics. Happy reading, everybody!
I’m in the process of deciding our Medieval literature curriculum for next year. To that end, I’ll be reading a lot of Robin Hood retellings in the next month. My plan is to read selected stories from Howard Pyle’s The Adventures of Robin Hood and His Merry Men to my 4th-8th grade literature classes, while they read a more modern retelling independently. The Pyle version that we typically use as independent reading is great, but I’m not in love with the episodic nature of the tales, and I’d like my more reluctant readers to have the opportunity to read a Robin Hood story without the archaic diction. I’m trying hard to walk that line between exposure to a denser classic and the pleasure of a zippier modern spin-off.
I’ve made a goal to do this with all our usual Medieval reads: Beowulf, The Legend of King Arthur, 1001 Arabian Nights, The Canterbury Tales, etc. I already know I’ll be supplementing our classroom reading of The Canterbury Tales with The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz for their independent reading. I know my 7th & 8th graders will read Freak the Mighty along with King Arthur, but I’m not certain some of my 4th-6th grade students (or their parents) are ready for the heartbreak of reading about a child their age struggling with a terminal illness. Honestly, I think kids benefit from these types of stories when they’re done well, but we’re a small private school, and our students tend to be pretty sheltered, so this will require some discussion with my administrators.
Anyway, wish me luck. Also, feel free to send your suggestions for modern retellings or stories with similar themes/settings that would enhance the above classics. Happy reading, everybody!
dnf
October 16, 2023There is something about the magic system in this book that doesn't sit right with me. Maybe the fact it sounds like real witchcraft rather than fantasy magic. I'm not sure. But for that, I am DNFing. Also. the girl sounds like a whiny brat more than anything else.
March 21, 2020
This is a quick little story about Robin Hood's part-fae daughter. There's not much to it, but for what it is, it's enjoyable.
February 26, 2022
I liked it more than I thought I would at my age. Story was good, writing is great, it wasn't really too cheesy or anything. There wasn't really anything I disliked about it. It was pretty cute and interesting!
March 10, 2021
2.75 stars
Read
August 11, 2011I always hem and haw over the star ratings - maybe I should give this a five. I thought it was a well-written and exciting YA book. Robin Hood is the Robin Hood of legend - both reckless and gallant. The descriptions of the woods are compelling and make me wish I were there!
The story could confuse some young readers though, because it seems to be historic fiction but is really fantasy. One thinks it is a tale set in the brutal middle ages, but then suddenly finds references not only to spirits and powers, but also to faeries who actually exist. The aelfe are definitely less malevolent than in many tales of faerie, but still are mysterious and beautiful.
I think a lot of young girls would really enjoy this independent yet loving young heroine who is trying to find her place in the world. Older readers will find Rowan a bit too modern in her sensibilities. In addition, Lionel, while interesting, seems a bit redundant: too similar to Little John AND a minstrel.
Potential problems for Christian parents: Rowan's mother is called a witch; not only does she practice the healing arts, she also has special powers, including apparently, the ability to disappear (although then why doesn't she disappear in chapter 1 - oh, well; slight plot hole perhaps). Rowan's mother is not married but does have a child. A reference is made to the lord's privilege of sleeping with peasant girls at age 14. Lionel is foppish and somewhat effeminate. Rowan speaks or prays to the spirits of the water, the trees, etc. Because Rowan is so sympathetic and because the forest is described as so beautiful, I could see sensitive young readers being drawn to this sort of nature religion.
There are many references to magical things, but the book doesn't come off as an occultic book but rather a fantasy tale. Still it would be interesting to see how the author deals with Christianity in the character of Friar Tuck.
The story could confuse some young readers though, because it seems to be historic fiction but is really fantasy. One thinks it is a tale set in the brutal middle ages, but then suddenly finds references not only to spirits and powers, but also to faeries who actually exist. The aelfe are definitely less malevolent than in many tales of faerie, but still are mysterious and beautiful.
I think a lot of young girls would really enjoy this independent yet loving young heroine who is trying to find her place in the world. Older readers will find Rowan a bit too modern in her sensibilities. In addition, Lionel, while interesting, seems a bit redundant: too similar to Little John AND a minstrel.
Potential problems for Christian parents: Rowan's mother is called a witch; not only does she practice the healing arts, she also has special powers, including apparently, the ability to disappear (although then why doesn't she disappear in chapter 1 - oh, well; slight plot hole perhaps). Rowan's mother is not married but does have a child. A reference is made to the lord's privilege of sleeping with peasant girls at age 14. Lionel is foppish and somewhat effeminate. Rowan speaks or prays to the spirits of the water, the trees, etc. Because Rowan is so sympathetic and because the forest is described as so beautiful, I could see sensitive young readers being drawn to this sort of nature religion.
There are many references to magical things, but the book doesn't come off as an occultic book but rather a fantasy tale. Still it would be interesting to see how the author deals with Christianity in the character of Friar Tuck.
April 30, 2020
TL.DR: I recommend this book
Reread it after remembering adoring it as a little girl and it makes me remember why I love the YA fantasy genre. Rosemary is the daughter of a half elf (or "ailfe" in the book) and freaking-Robin Hood. Because why not. Rosemary escapes death and befriends a half wolf. Because why not. Rosemary manages to disguise herself as a boy, "Rowan" (a name she later keeps), face off with Guy of Gisborne, speak to the ailfen, befriend an enchanted minstrel, rescue a princess from arranged marriage, and meet Robin Hood himself (more happens but spoilers!!). Because Why. Not. Books like these remind me how much I loathe words like "mary sue", because I know that's what you'll think seeing this title. Little Rowan is her own person, with learned skills (and no, she's not a perfect archer right off the bat) At no point does she express how she's better for not being like other girls, if anything she feels sorry for not living to others expectations of a girl (though she doesnt envy "bosoms and monthly messes") when she saves Princess Ettarde, she scolds her choice in clothing not because its girly, but because its bright white and giving away their location as they flee. Rowan idolizes her mother, wishing she could be as skillful as her. It's the life she's expected to lead as a woman she rejects. She's the best written "tomboy" I've been able to read without cringing at internalized misogyny.
In closing, I enjoyed this book, and I reccomend reading it, and think Rowan is a great heroine to introduce to your children.
Reread it after remembering adoring it as a little girl and it makes me remember why I love the YA fantasy genre. Rosemary is the daughter of a half elf (or "ailfe" in the book) and freaking-Robin Hood. Because why not. Rosemary escapes death and befriends a half wolf. Because why not. Rosemary manages to disguise herself as a boy, "Rowan" (a name she later keeps), face off with Guy of Gisborne, speak to the ailfen, befriend an enchanted minstrel, rescue a princess from arranged marriage, and meet Robin Hood himself (more happens but spoilers!!). Because Why. Not. Books like these remind me how much I loathe words like "mary sue", because I know that's what you'll think seeing this title. Little Rowan is her own person, with learned skills (and no, she's not a perfect archer right off the bat) At no point does she express how she's better for not being like other girls, if anything she feels sorry for not living to others expectations of a girl (though she doesnt envy "bosoms and monthly messes") when she saves Princess Ettarde, she scolds her choice in clothing not because its girly, but because its bright white and giving away their location as they flee. Rowan idolizes her mother, wishing she could be as skillful as her. It's the life she's expected to lead as a woman she rejects. She's the best written "tomboy" I've been able to read without cringing at internalized misogyny.
In closing, I enjoyed this book, and I reccomend reading it, and think Rowan is a great heroine to introduce to your children.
April 22, 2015
I love rowan hood! This was, I think, my first exposure to robin hood outside of the Disney movie with the fox.:) I read these way back in 6th grade or so, and I'm ever so happy to be rereading them as an adult! See,THIS is a decent children's robin hood novel! This is good!
The writing is just wonderful, and Rowan's great, even if she is a bit modern (this is to be expected in a girl focused hood story, I believe.) And they actually address the fact that she WAs NOT an outlaw until the end of the story. THANK YOU Nancy springer! :)
So, this is the story of Rowan/Rosemary, a girl who sets of to Sherwood Forest to find her father after her mother is murdered. And her father is? None other than robin hood! XD now, I like that while robin is an important supporting character,hes no the book's main focus. This is Rowans story. So even if your not a hard core hoodie such as myself, you can still in enjoy a great story. Theres an a bit of a fantasy element thrown into with rowan and the elf creatures, but like with robin its OK, because it doesn't overpower the main focus of the book: Rowans jounrey to find her family and where she belongs. Its certainly there, but at least its not an easy out for helping our young heros out of a jam. I also adore her little gang of misfit outlaws. Lionel, so far, I think is my favorite. He's such a big softy sweet heart. :)
The writing is just wonderful, and Rowan's great, even if she is a bit modern (this is to be expected in a girl focused hood story, I believe.) And they actually address the fact that she WAs NOT an outlaw until the end of the story. THANK YOU Nancy springer! :)
So, this is the story of Rowan/Rosemary, a girl who sets of to Sherwood Forest to find her father after her mother is murdered. And her father is? None other than robin hood! XD now, I like that while robin is an important supporting character,hes no the book's main focus. This is Rowans story. So even if your not a hard core hoodie such as myself, you can still in enjoy a great story. Theres an a bit of a fantasy element thrown into with rowan and the elf creatures, but like with robin its OK, because it doesn't overpower the main focus of the book: Rowans jounrey to find her family and where she belongs. Its certainly there, but at least its not an easy out for helping our young heros out of a jam. I also adore her little gang of misfit outlaws. Lionel, so far, I think is my favorite. He's such a big softy sweet heart. :)
February 5, 2017
Boy, Logan just ate this up. Rosemary's half-Aelpha (sort of Elfen) mother is killed by the local lord's henchmen, so she has to figure out how to survive on her own. Her mother had once said that Rosemary's father was Robin Hood, so she sets out to find him, acquiring on the way a dog/wolf, an over-sized boy minstrel as a friend, and some help from her Aelpha kinsfolk. She disguises herself as a boy and takes the name Rowan. There are 4 more books in the series and although it looks like they're not as good as this one, Logan is committed to reading them all. It was pretty predictable for me (although not for L) but it was a fun romp through Sherwood Forest.
September 30, 2012
The first time I tried to read this book in Aug 2007, I couldn't get through it; it just didn't capture my interest at the time. This year I read the Enola Holmes series by this author and really liked them, so thought I'd give this one another go. It's not as good as the Enola series, in my opinion, but I do like the author's ability to make strong heroines without making all men dumb, brutish, and mean. Not that some aren't, but not all of them. And the women aren't completely helpless and clueless, but do have to realistically (I mean, for a kids book) figure some things out. It was good.
March 4, 2023
The amount of books that make it cool for a girl to "have a flat chest and boyish build" and disguise as a boy, and put down other girls is just sickening. Authors like you have abused and messed up my generation and it's not talked about enough. I have too many friends who are the victims of this passed down self hatred and it's a tragedy all around. No different than if children's books relentlessly made anorexia look cool; your generation is the one that made and promoted gender dysphoria in teenage girls.
March 16, 2016
Fun and easy read. It's not terribly deep or complex but I appreciate the handling of magic and Rowan's gender exploration. I'm curious about the sequels and where the author might take the characters and story over time.
December 12, 2019
First book I ever read. Great book full of adventure. Rosemary's mother dies, and she must masquerade as a boy to find her father: Robin Hood. The other books in the series are great too.
April 19, 2023
Loved this series as a kid....10 years later I'm rereading it with a friend.
April 10, 2023
I've been a fan of Nancy Springer ever since I've read her Enola Holmes series. In that series she combines history with adventure in quite a clever way. I love how she shows us how bad society was for girls and women, how far we've already come since then (even though we're not there yet). I was therefore quite curious to discover what she'd do with this classical tale.
What I loved most of all about this retelling is the mix of history and folklore. It's not just a story about the daughter of Robin Hood traveling through the forest to find her father. She's also dealing with her love for her mother and most of all with what has happened to her mother and what that means for her future.
I also loved meeting all the familiar faces along the way without them taking over the story. Whatever happens and whoever we meet this is always Rowan's story. This is her journey. She's trying to find her place in her world, she's discovering who she is and who she wants to be and what's important for her and what she's willing to fight for.
I have to admit that although I do love the folklore aspect of the story there were moments it all felt a little hard to grasp and understand. I guess that's not just the case for the readers but also for the characters in the story but since the mythology sometimes feels very vague there are moments especially younger readers might have no idea what's going on.
Since the book had a nice and happy ending and the other two books are hard to get I'm not sure if I'll continue with the series but one never knows.
What I loved most of all about this retelling is the mix of history and folklore. It's not just a story about the daughter of Robin Hood traveling through the forest to find her father. She's also dealing with her love for her mother and most of all with what has happened to her mother and what that means for her future.
I also loved meeting all the familiar faces along the way without them taking over the story. Whatever happens and whoever we meet this is always Rowan's story. This is her journey. She's trying to find her place in her world, she's discovering who she is and who she wants to be and what's important for her and what she's willing to fight for.
I have to admit that although I do love the folklore aspect of the story there were moments it all felt a little hard to grasp and understand. I guess that's not just the case for the readers but also for the characters in the story but since the mythology sometimes feels very vague there are moments especially younger readers might have no idea what's going on.
Since the book had a nice and happy ending and the other two books are hard to get I'm not sure if I'll continue with the series but one never knows.
June 25, 2018
The daughter of Robin Hood and an elf goes on an adventure.
This novel is not at all as juvenile as it could have been – life in the wilderness on your own is no easy task and Rowan does struggle at times – but it still reads very much like a children’s book. The plot is simple, characters are black and white and many things work out way too conveniently, like characters popping up on the road just when Rowan needs some help. Rowan is close to being a Mary-Sue – I mean, daughter of Robin Hood already means she’s special, but she’s also an archer, a healer and a half-elf who has magical powers and a clever wolf as a pet. She’s likeable though, and so are the other characters.
Recommended for young girls (10~13) who dream of adventures in the deep dark woods.
This novel is not at all as juvenile as it could have been – life in the wilderness on your own is no easy task and Rowan does struggle at times – but it still reads very much like a children’s book. The plot is simple, characters are black and white and many things work out way too conveniently, like characters popping up on the road just when Rowan needs some help. Rowan is close to being a Mary-Sue – I mean, daughter of Robin Hood already means she’s special, but she’s also an archer, a healer and a half-elf who has magical powers and a clever wolf as a pet. She’s likeable though, and so are the other characters.
Recommended for young girls (10~13) who dream of adventures in the deep dark woods.
November 25, 2017
Rowan Hood, OUTLAW GIRL OF SHERWOOD FOREST by Nancy Springer
When her mother’s spell of protection ends suddenly, Rosemary finds their home burned and her mother killed. Rosemary runs to the forest to escape, disguised as a boy, taking the name Rowan. Sharing her food with large youth, an enchanter with music, she earns a boon from the aelfe and the lesson to use the gifts her mother gave her. She does so, finding water, herbs, friends and allies, and much adventure, in her search for Robin Hood. This is a delightful book, designated for Juvenile, but satisfying to this reluctant adult, so much so that I’m ready for the next in the series LIONCLAW.
When her mother’s spell of protection ends suddenly, Rosemary finds their home burned and her mother killed. Rosemary runs to the forest to escape, disguised as a boy, taking the name Rowan. Sharing her food with large youth, an enchanter with music, she earns a boon from the aelfe and the lesson to use the gifts her mother gave her. She does so, finding water, herbs, friends and allies, and much adventure, in her search for Robin Hood. This is a delightful book, designated for Juvenile, but satisfying to this reluctant adult, so much so that I’m ready for the next in the series LIONCLAW.
January 13, 2020
A great Robin Hood story for younger readers focusing on his daughter making sense of her own place in the world as the child of a famous outlaw and a magical half-fae mother (as well as her struggles with what it means to be female in a medieval setting). This is the first a series and it shows. It has great potential (the magic isn't overplayed) but it's clearly setting up characters for continued adventures. I recommend getting it with the other books in the series so you don't have to wonder how the band Rowan collects (which includes a cowardly minstrel, a runaway princess, and a wolf-dog) will fare in the forest.
December 5, 2025
Adorable!! Reminded me of The Princess Bride, minus the romance plot (which is good, because I don't care for romance.) I love Robin Hood and often call myself his daughter as well. Robin and Lionel were my favorites!
It's not wise to expect much from a middle grade fairytale retelling, but I am glad that I gave this one a chance. I knew I'd like this one and I was very right! This was pure comfort. Short enough to devour in a day, quickly-paced enough to keep your interest, detailed enough to establish a convincing world, magical enough to pique a sense of wonder, and sweet enough to caress the heart.
It's not wise to expect much from a middle grade fairytale retelling, but I am glad that I gave this one a chance. I knew I'd like this one and I was very right! This was pure comfort. Short enough to devour in a day, quickly-paced enough to keep your interest, detailed enough to establish a convincing world, magical enough to pique a sense of wonder, and sweet enough to caress the heart.
March 27, 2021
How many times have you read a book in which the author creates a world you want to inhabit, with characters you want to befriend? This is one such book. I enjoyed the action, the suspense, the survival skills needed to get to the end. Rowan is my new favorite hero of old. She is compassionate, resourceful, full of life. I ached for her when her mother died in so horrific a fashion, and enjoyed her quest fir her father, and the accidental friends she made along the way. On to the next book, please. Keep ‘em coming, Nancy. I’ll keep reading.
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