I wouldn't worry about the wood.
I made my first bow in about 1969 - didn't make another until 2013!
2013 model - red oak board bow - came in a bit light #28 @ 28in.
I've made a few more since then, but the #28 has been what has started off my daughter and a couple of her friends with archery.
I think it's the shooting that grabs people, not what the bow's made of.