Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Lawrence
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Series starter about teen lawyer teaches Courtroom 101.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
Based on 17 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a thrilling page-turner that balances mystery and suspense, inspiring many young readers to consider careers in law. While the storyline captivates with legal drama and engaging characters, some find certain sections dull and feel that parts of the writing can be confusing, though overall, it’s regarded as educational and entertaining.
- page turner
- good for kids
- legal knowledge
- some dull parts
- engaging characters
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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 :
- 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 : October 9, 2025
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