Forbidden Forest — Michael Cadnum

Little John lives a lifetime of adventure -- from humble ferryman to legendary outlaw

John Little is strong enough to be a knight, but he knows he is destined to life as a thief. He spends his days on the river, poling nobles back and forth on a wooden ferry, the master of which robs the passengers blind. When an arrogant knight draws his sword to protect his purse, John defends his unscrupulous boss. The struggle leaves the knight dead, and John becomes an outlaw who must flee into the forest to hide from the king's justice. John thinks his life is over, but his adventure has just begun.
 
In shadowy Sherwood Forest, John meets a mysterious bandit dressed in green, who goes by the name Robin Hood. At Robin Hood's side, John Little becomes “Little John” -- friend of the poor, defender of the weak, and scourge of evil men across Nottinghamshire.