WILL IN SCARLET, by Matthew Cody

The story: One moment, Will is the son of a nobleman and heir to the castle. The next, his uncle is murdered, his mother flees into hiding, and Will is nearly killed in an ambush. He survives to swear revenge on the man responsible for all these misfortunes: Sir Guy of Gisborne, traitor to the crown and his uncle's killer. Surprisingly, when Will finds himself hiding out with a band of outlaws, he finds there may be more honor among thieves than among the nobles of his own class. Take Rob the Drunk, for example...but you may know him better as Robin Hood...

June Cleaver's ratings: Language PG-13; nudity, PG; sexual content, G; violence PG-13; substance abuse PG; magic & the occult, G; GLBT content, G; adult themes, PG; overall rating PG-13.

Liz's comments: two thumbs up for a fresh look at the Robin Hood story, told from the viewpoint of young Will Shackley, who during the course of the story becomes the Will Scarlet of legend. There's a lot going on in this book, with enough of the Robin Hood legend left at the end to make a sequel. Excellent! Give this one to any kid who likes The Ranger's Apprentice series.