Book Review: Will in Scarlet by Matthew Cody

Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this ebook, free of charge, from Knopf Books, via NetGalley, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it

The end of Summer is quickly approaching! 
How about once last hurrah- a book that brings new flair to the tale of Robin Hood, by showcasing him in his teenage years?
Yup- I've got JUST the book to get the kids reading and allow for some fun family activities related to it:

Synopsis: Will Scarlet is on the run. 

Once the sheltered son of nobility, Will has become an exile. While his father, Lord Shackley, has been on the Crusades with King Richard, a treacherous plot to unseat Richard has swept across England, and Shackley House has fallen.

Will flees the only home he’s ever known into neighboring Sherwood Forest, where he joins the elusive gang of bandits known as the Merry Men. Among them are Gilbert, their cruel leader; a giant named John Little; a drunkard named Rob; and Much, an orphan girl disguised as a bandit boy.

This is the story of how a band of misfit outlaws become heroes of legend - thanks to one brave 13-year-old boy."

Review: This book is aimed at Middle Schoolers, though all levels would enjoy the telling, if told in a family sitting. I think many kids will identify with Will and his teenage issues. Adults will like the new take on the Merry Men and how they came to be, and the dynamics among the group. Girls will love Much and how she finds excitement in her hiding. This is a good story, decent pacing and a lot of humor will keep your kids reading til the end! It was a fun read and your kids will like it too, especially if they have a fondness for the Robin Hood legend!

About the Author:   Matthew Cody is the author of Powerless, The Dead Gentleman, and Super. Originally from the midwest, he now lives in New York City with his wife and young son.