Lionel Lionclaw thinks of himself as a coward, which is not the first impression others have when they see his height of seven feet, but it's what his father calls him because the young Lionel prefers to play a harp instead of fight. When his father sends bounty hunters to capture him they cruelly take Rowan Hood as bait. Lionel begins to see his true self and the meaning of bravery. This story shows that life in the forest is not always a green, dreamy haven but can be cold, wet, and scattered with traps. ( )

Springer's second book of the series continued to attract my boys' need to know. We read it out of order, but there was enough background to follow.
She describes the forest in detail, with flowery words so like the times that she writes in. A book difficult to read out-loud, and with some profanity which could be omitted. My boys listened without difficulty.

Lionel, told by his father to be a coward, finds bravery is not just in brute strength and control. He finds a place where his bravery is needed and stands the test. It's a story of soul searching and answering questions in the setting of Sherwood Forest and outlaws.

Lionel finds bravery doesn't have to be bullying another. He finds secrets of himself that answers questions of his heart.
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http://www.greenmanreview.com/book/book_springer_rowanhood.html ( )