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A review by readingthroughthelists
The Adventures of Robin Hood by Roger Lancelyn Green
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
My students loved this book; as their teacher, I had more reservations.
First, I salute Green’s effort to compile the many Robin Hood tales and legends into one continuous, internally consistent narrative. Each chapter of the book is essentially its own individual ballad/play/story, which made it perfect for reading and discussion with my 4th-5th graders. (I assigned them one chapter session, which turned out to be the perfect amount for a 45 min. class).
However, some of the incorporated material fits better than others. (Seriously, what is Ivanhoe doing here??) Additionally, the book is suffused with a strong current of 1950’s conservatism which contrasts oddly with the story of the *checks notes* outlaw who robs the rich to feed the poor. But go off about how reading Robin Hood shouldn’t turn you into a socialist or something.
This being said, my students’ love for the book eventually brought me around and we had some fabulous discussions of the text. For this reason, it comes highly recommended.
First, I salute Green’s effort to compile the many Robin Hood tales and legends into one continuous, internally consistent narrative. Each chapter of the book is essentially its own individual ballad/play/story, which made it perfect for reading and discussion with my 4th-5th graders. (I assigned them one chapter session, which turned out to be the perfect amount for a 45 min. class).
However, some of the incorporated material fits better than others. (Seriously, what is Ivanhoe doing here??) Additionally, the book is suffused with a strong current of 1950’s conservatism which contrasts oddly with the story of the *checks notes* outlaw who robs the rich to feed the poor. But go off about how reading Robin Hood shouldn’t turn you into a socialist or something.
This being said, my students’ love for the book eventually brought me around and we had some fabulous discussions of the text. For this reason, it comes highly recommended.