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mdevlin923's review against another edition
1.0
Theodore Boone is a son of two lawyers, and he has always dreamed about working in a courtroom. He spends most of his days after school visiting the staff at the local courthouse; and during school, he gives free legal advice to his classmates and even teachers. Teddy is also fascinated with the huge murder trial taking place. When he learns about a key witness, Teddy is caught in the middle of keeping a promise and doing the right thing.
Utterly boring with a self-righteous, smarmy protagonist. Poor writing, no resolution, and terrible stereotypes...and don't even get me started on the fact that Grisham has probably never met or interacted with a child. Also, super weird misogynistic vibes...to the point that I was surprised it was published in 2010 and not pre-1990s.
Utterly boring with a self-righteous, smarmy protagonist. Poor writing, no resolution, and terrible stereotypes...and don't even get me started on the fact that Grisham has probably never met or interacted with a child. Also, super weird misogynistic vibes...to the point that I was surprised it was published in 2010 and not pre-1990s.
shardaunei's review against another edition
3.0
I kinda like it. It was a fast read. Not because it's action-packed fast paced, but it was an easy read. It's amusing how an 8th grader knew so much about law.
reader4evr's review against another edition
3.0
I have read a couple of John Grisham’s adult books but I was kind of disappointed with this one. The writing was super basic but I know a struggling reader would like it. I felt like this kid acted a lot older than an 8th grader. I just don’t know about this book.
pulcherpetra's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
katdfleming's review against another edition
3.0
Second one I've read in the series. Like other Grisham books I've read, I love the fast-pace of the books. They're very hard to put down and are a fun books to read when one is in the mood for quick and light.
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
My second time reading this, I needed to revise its content for our library's junior book club.
I enjoyed it just as much the second time, as did my group of 8-9 year olds.
It's not every adult writer that can take his preferred genre and fit it to a young audience, but Grisham makes the courtroom story fit well into a book for 9-12 year olds.
Theo Boone wants to be a lawyer when he's older, like his mum and dad. And in fact, he's often sought out by classmates to help sort out problems that can only be solved by someone with a good knowledge of the law. He manages to find his Government class seats to watch a high-profile murder trial (rare in his little town). Everyone is sure the accused is guilty, but there seems to be no proof. Theo of course manages to get himself tangled up in it when an unknown witness comes forward that says he can prove the defendant's guilt.
My group of kids loved this. I admire Grisham's way of introducing young readers to the practices and language of the courts, making the structure clear, and integrating it well into the story (though making Theo a bit of a smart-arse at times as he tells his fellow students what is what). It's Law 101 for pre-teens, and a gripping murder story into the bargain.
Theo is surrounded by a cast that look set to grow through the series (I haven't read any further that this one) - mother and father lawyers, uncle a former lawyer and confidante, a grumpy but kind judge, a best friend whose role here is small but obviously set to increase.
This is an easy read and with lots of speech and explanation, as well as action, worked well for both the boys and girls in my group.
A refreshing series for children, looking at a fairly adult topic but in an accessible way.
I enjoyed it just as much the second time, as did my group of 8-9 year olds.
It's not every adult writer that can take his preferred genre and fit it to a young audience, but Grisham makes the courtroom story fit well into a book for 9-12 year olds.
Theo Boone wants to be a lawyer when he's older, like his mum and dad. And in fact, he's often sought out by classmates to help sort out problems that can only be solved by someone with a good knowledge of the law. He manages to find his Government class seats to watch a high-profile murder trial (rare in his little town). Everyone is sure the accused is guilty, but there seems to be no proof. Theo of course manages to get himself tangled up in it when an unknown witness comes forward that says he can prove the defendant's guilt.
My group of kids loved this. I admire Grisham's way of introducing young readers to the practices and language of the courts, making the structure clear, and integrating it well into the story (though making Theo a bit of a smart-arse at times as he tells his fellow students what is what). It's Law 101 for pre-teens, and a gripping murder story into the bargain.
Theo is surrounded by a cast that look set to grow through the series (I haven't read any further that this one) - mother and father lawyers, uncle a former lawyer and confidante, a grumpy but kind judge, a best friend whose role here is small but obviously set to increase.
This is an easy read and with lots of speech and explanation, as well as action, worked well for both the boys and girls in my group.
A refreshing series for children, looking at a fairly adult topic but in an accessible way.
iceangel32's review against another edition
4.0
Grisham did a god job on his first YA novel. This was a nice quick read that I did not want to put down. Theo was a great main character that could not go anywhere with someone asking him for some sort of legal advice, which as we saw in the book could get him in trouble sometimes. Theo has great support in this book from family, which is nice to see in a YA book. He trusts his parents and even though they are busy lawyers they always have time for him. I enjoyed this book and will be waiting for a next one....maybe??
geekchic394's review against another edition
3.0
Theodore Boone is an average book. It wasn't bad but it wasn't good. It felt like a beginners guide to the law, except written as a story. True, this is a young adult book and many young people may not know about the law but I felt this book played it down too much.
Theodore Boone is not my most favourite or memorable heroes. His parents work as lawyers and he is constantly surrounded by judges, lawyers and police. And he loves it. At school he is often called upon to help with problems involving the law; divorce, money etc. Maybe it is the way he just knows everything and thinks it is his problem to fix problems of others that irritates me. I see him as someone who thinks too highly of himself.
The story itself wasn't too bad. I haven't read any other law fiction to compare it to but it was quite a nice read. In Theodore Boone's town, a murder trial is taking place and the suspect is the husband believed to have killed his wife. The husband is about to get off free thanks to his superior lawyer however Theodore finds a witness who knows a thing or two about the case.
The writing flowed nicely and each scene of the book was relevant to the overall story. It was an easy read but not something that I would read the sequel to.
Theodore Boone is not my most favourite or memorable heroes. His parents work as lawyers and he is constantly surrounded by judges, lawyers and police. And he loves it. At school he is often called upon to help with problems involving the law; divorce, money etc. Maybe it is the way he just knows everything and thinks it is his problem to fix problems of others that irritates me. I see him as someone who thinks too highly of himself.
The story itself wasn't too bad. I haven't read any other law fiction to compare it to but it was quite a nice read. In Theodore Boone's town, a murder trial is taking place and the suspect is the husband believed to have killed his wife. The husband is about to get off free thanks to his superior lawyer however Theodore finds a witness who knows a thing or two about the case.
The writing flowed nicely and each scene of the book was relevant to the overall story. It was an easy read but not something that I would read the sequel to.