Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer Paperback – May 3, 2011

I love reading John Grisham! I get so entranced in his books I lose track of time. This book is one of those!

I give it a three and a half star really, but I always round up.It wasn't a bad read, but it wasn't a great read either. I'm not in the age range for this book's audience and I only read it because my nephew had to for a class project and he needed the help. But with that said, I don't think too many kids would like this unless they had an interest in law or had to read it for school.Character wise, the main protagonist does not sound like an eighth grader to me. All of the other kids sound their age, but the main character sounds too old by the way he phrases his sentences and speaks on situations. Grisham was trying to go for smart/clever for the main character but it came off as distancing and forced.Yes, I did not really enjoy the book, but I can see why some kids would. As I mentioned before, if they have an interest in law, this would help inform them about many things of that nature. Also, kids usually like to read about someone who is their age and act older or do things that are more "mature." For me it was a turn off, but for a kid of twelve they might be able to relate to what Theo was going through and doesn't have the words to articulate his thoughts.Overall, if law is what you are into, go ahead and read this book. You will most likely enjoy it. If you're looking for action, fulfilling plots and subplots, and relatable characters...you probably want to try something else.

A sure home-run teen novel. Perfect for father/son co-reading. I bought it for my son & grandson and thoroughly enjoyed it myself. Plenty of murder suspense, but not bloody and educational, teaching the ways of the courtroom as a bonus. Kids are going to love it. Producers will seek the movie rights. Move aside Perry Mason, we have a new series started. The sequel stage is already set.Theo's a 13-year-old unlicensed, unpaid, practicing kid attorney. Grisham's words: "Yep. Kid thinks he's a lawyer. Knows every cop, every judge, every court clerk. Hangs around courtrooms, probably knows more law than most lawyers." Parents are Boone & Boone, she in divorce law, he in real estate. An Uncle Ike Boone, former partner, is a broken man, disbarred. Dog's name is Judge. Close friend is April, but not girlfriend, since a man age 13 tends to shun romance.Mr. Duffy is on trial, biggest murder trial in Strattenburg's history, for murdering his wife. Only circumstantial evidence. Don't worry, the story explains that word, and all the other facets of criminal law. During Theo's kid-law practicing, he stumbles across unknown evidence, big evidence. What can he do? That's the plot and I'll not write spoiler info. One fun moment is Theo's successful defense of popular, beautiful, 8th grade classmate, Hallie (well her dog) in Judge Yeck's "Kitty [Animal] Court."Can't go wrong with this purchase. Gift for birthday, Father's Day, Children's Day, Christmas, Labor Day, you name it, a no occasion gift book, especially if you can use it to entice kid/parent reading together. Grandparents, like me, do yourself a favor and do the co-read with your grandchild. Win-win, and a bit of enjoyable Grisham mystery to boot.As the teacher will say (and I was one):5 GOLD STARS for "THEODORE BOONE kid lawyer", by John Grisham.

The premise behind this book really is quite clever. Two highly successful lawyers marry, have a child, and surprise, surprise - the offspring decides he wants to be a lawyer when he grows up! A nice, realistic portrayal of life in a legal household. The good thing about young Master Boone is that he is a very likeable character, both within the confines of the story, and beyond. Readers will like him because of his relative modesty, his insecurities, his faults and his talents. His fellow characters (school friends) like him because he is cool as.His parents, too, are far from perfect, as is the highlight (for me) of the book - Uncle Ike. That dude has SERIOUS ISSUES but we love him just the same.This book is FUN! Even though it is obviously aimed at the younger (teen?) reader, THEODORE BOON is a great introduction to the legal thriller as well as a way of making enquiring young minds think of life after the school years end. John Grisham's writing style has always been an easy one to pick up; he writes in the common, down to earth way that makes his books a joy to read. This concept is extrapolated for the younger market and it works a treat in this book.Negatively speaking, I think the plot itself is the weak link in this story. Basing the complete book around a murder trial is normally a safe bet, but this case is a little feeble, and a boring one at that. There are, however, hints of suspense scattered throughout the story whenever Theo comes up against Omar Cheepe and I imagine he will have a role to play as we approach the end of the book.I give this book three stars, but in actuality (your Honour) it is more like three and a half.BFN Greggorio!