Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer
Parents say
Based on 2 reviews
Kids say
Based on 14 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this book is a tamer version of Grisham’s adult novels. The central murder is described without excessive violence or detail, and there's no bad language or sex. The story delves into social issues such as homelessness and illegal immigrants. Theo sometimes breaks rules such as hacking into computer systems to help solve crimes, but he is generally driven by his interest in seeing justice served. He is surrounded by positive adult role models and knows when to ask adults for help.
Community Reviews
The best
Report this review
I L-O-V-E this book!
Report this review
What's the Story?
Thirteen year-old Theodore Boone gives legal advice to friends at school. He gets in over his head, though, when an illegal immigrant who has witnessed a murder seeks his help. Theo uses his great knowledge of the legal system -- and a little help from his lawyer parents -- to see that justice is done.
Is It Any Good?
This plot-driven novel hits a few dry spots along the way, but the author manages to weave in some legal basics and kids interested in the law will appreciate the Courtroom 101. Although Theo can be a little too good to be real at times, he is confronted with some tough moral conflicts that will give teen readers plenty to consider. In the end, the author has created an engaging enough premise to keep tweens looking forward to the next installment of the series, Theodore Boone: The Abduction.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the appeal of this book, which is now a series. Do you think it would have been so well received if it was written by a lesser-known author? This author usually writes for adults; what do you think he had to do differently here?
What do you think about Theo's methods for solving crimes? Is it OK to hack into computer records if that's what it takes to see that justice is done?
Book Details
- Author: John Grisham
- Genre: Mystery
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Puffin Books
- Publication date: May 25, 2010
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 9 - 12
- Number of pages: 263
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
-
Cover-up: Mystery at the Super Bowl
Suspenseful, satisfying sports mystery.
-
Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker
Teen spy hero makes leap from book to screen.
-
The Lost Cases of Sherlock Holmes 2
Great hidden-pic mystery game with some creepy details.
For kids who love mystery and suspense
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate