Parents' Guide to Theodore Boone: The Activist

Products & Purchases

Facebook plays a prominent role when Theodore and his friends post a video to publicize the fight against the highway bypass and the threat to the environment. On his weekly visits to Uncle Ike, Theodore always drinks a Sprite.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

The reccurring character of Uncle Ike is always seen as a beer-drinking ex-lawyer who has fallen on hard times.

Violence & Scariness

Theodore, his friends, and his dog, Judge, are attacked by some thugs who have trespassed on the Quinn's farm. The dog is badly beaten and almost dies. On a Scout trip, one of his fellow Scouts is bitten by a Copperhead after teasing it with a stick and is rushed to the hospital.

Educational Value

Throughout the Theodore Boone books, author John Grisham has done a great job teaching the basics of courtroom etiquette as well as giving readers an insider's view of the legal system. In Theodore Boone: The Activist, Grisham explains of how property and other taxes support municipal budgets, and defines the legal concept of eminent domain -- all in language a 13-year-old can understand. He also includes good tips on debating and public speaking. Grisham's background as a successful lawyer informs his ability to and pass along interesting legal knowledge to his readers. Even older kids with interests in Mock Trial, Model U.N., and debate teams might enjoy this book.

Positive Messages

In previous books, Theodore Boone has always helped friends with his knowledge of the legal system, and this book is no exception. He becomes an activist when he sees how his friends, community, and the countryside around Strattenburg will be harmed by a new highway bypass. Things get tough but he perseveres, banding together with his friends to fight the powers that be. It's a David and Goliath story with a little help from Facebook.

Positive Role Models

Theodore is basically a good kid who occasionally lies to his folks about his whereabouts and brushing his teeth, but deep down tries to do what's right. He's a good student and respectful of his parents and most adults. When Theodore is confronted with a difficult situation, the reader is privy to his thought processes -- weighing what he knows to be right against what feels right in the situation. Theodore has a compassionate side, and there's a touching scene in which his buddy Hardie is upset and cries and Theodore comforts him.

Between church, Boy Scouts, and school, Theodore is an all around good kid who others look up to because of his common sense, kindness, and smarts.