A ragtag band of misfits gets swept up in Holy Land politics in Travelers Along the Way by Aminah Mae Safi, a thrilling YA remix of the classic legend of Robin Hood.
WINNER: 2022 Middle East Book Award - Youth Literature - awarded by the Middle East Outreach Council
Jerusalem, 1192. The Third Crusade rages on. Rahma al-Hud loyally followed her elder sister Zeena into the war over the Holy Land, but now that the Faranji invaders have gotten reinforcements from Richard the Lionheart, all she wants to do is get herself and her sister home alive.
But Zeena, a soldier of honor at heart, refuses to give up the fight while Jerusalem remains in danger of falling back into the hands of the false Queen Isabella. And so, Rahma has no choice but to take on one final mission with her sister.
On their journey to Jerusalem, Rahma and Zeena come across a motley collection of fellow travelers―including a softspoken Mongolian warrior, an eccentric Andalusian scientist, a frustratingly handsome spy with a connection to Rahma's childhood, and an unfortunate English chaplain abandoned behind enemy lines. The teens all find solace, purpose and camaraderie―as well as a healthy bit of mischief―in each other's company.
But their travels soon bring them into the orbit of Queen Isabella herself, whose plans to re-seize power in Jerusalem would only guarantee further war and strife in the Holy Land for years to come. And so it falls to the merry band of misfits to use every scrap of cunning and wit (and not a small amount of thievery) to foil the usurper queen and perhaps finally restore peace to the land.
A Junior Library Guild Selection 🏅
An American Library Association 2023 Rise: A Feminist Book Project List Selection
Winner of the 2022 Middle East Book Award in Youth Literature awarded by the Middle East Outreach Council
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Praise for Travelers Along the Way
"Rousing ... Wholly original in its cultural perspective and its centering of strong female characters. ... By creating an almost all-female cast, Safi makes women the heart of her story at a time when they were seen as a 'bargaining chip.'" —Shelf Awareness, starred review
"Travelers Along the Way is the Robin Hood retelling I did not know I wanted. Deeply researched and masterfully written, here is a story that’s not only thrilling, but also delightfully clever! Rahma al-Hud and her band of merry misfits will appeal to history buffs and adventure seekers alike. A must read!" —Tanaz Bhathena, author of A Girl Like That and Hunted by the Sky
"If you love heists, found family, and stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, then put Aminah Mae Safi's heartfelt and humorous take on Robin Hood at the very top of your TBR. Sisterhood, cunning disguises, and a bit of horse thievery: Travelers Along the Way is an adventure story that has it all." —Jodi Meadows, New York Times-bestselling co-author of My Lady Jane
"In Travelers Along the Way, Safi has assembled the perfect team to steal my heart. This is the thoughtful, thought-provoking, and wildly fun retelling of Robin Hood you’ve been waiting for!" —Kiersten White, New York Times-bestselling author of And I Darken
"Rahma al-Hud is everything audiences love about Robin Hood: a quick mind, smart mouth, lightning-fast legs, and unmatched skill with a bow. More importantly, audiences will love everything Rahma al-Hud is not—she is not white, male, Western, noble, or a part of history. Aminah Mae Safi reclaims the story of the Crusades and tells it from the perspective of those who wanted no part in them." —Historical Novel Society
"Finally, a Robin Hood retelling I can get behind! Safi delivers a remarkable new story that stands on its own, adding depth and humor galore while paying homage to a centuries-old myth. Put this one on hold at your local library, because you’re not going to want to miss it." —Book Riot
"Truly original . . . Fans of the legend have plenty of references to indulge in, from Rahma al-Hud’s similar-sounding name to the roles of her "merry misfits" and the attempts by Queen Isabella to lure her out, and readers who appreciate historical accuracy will delight in the many mentions of real people, places, and events from the past." —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (BCCB)
"An imaginative retelling ... Paired with an ethnically diverse cast, a strong, affectionate sibling relationship and touches of romance, queer and straight, lend warmth and humor to the narrative." —Publishers Weekly
"Absolutely brilliant ... Incredibly funny. ... Though you’ll fall for the lovable characters, you’ll wind up learning about the true historic events that took place during this time within Safi’s rich and detailed world." —Buzzfeed
