Theodore Boone, a normal 13-year-old living in Strattenburg, is just like any other kid. He’s smart, polite, and a little bit undecided about his future career. However, Theodore Boone is a very lucky teenager, because he has the title that no one else in Strattenburg possesses. Theodore Boone is a KID LAWYER. 

Theo is an only child with 2 parents who are both lawyers. His dad is a real estate lawyer, while his mom works as a divorce attorney. Ike, Theo’s uncle, used to work with Theo’s parents at the Boone and Boone law firm before some unfortunate incidents took away the license that allowed him to practice the law. 

So, when Pete Duffy is accused of murder, Theo feels thrilled to get to watch another trial. He does what any kid who loves to watch trials would do: Try to skip school. When a friend at school comes up to Theo to tell him about a mysterious witness, Theo finds himself as an important part of the murder trial, too. Theo tries to help the star witness overcome his fears and attend the trial to make sure justice is served. 

Theodore Boone: The Kid Lawyer is the first book of an exciting 7 book series. Each book contains a different mystery where Theo tries to take action. Sometimes, he finds himself in trouble, but other times, he finds himself being celebrated by others as a hero. 

This novel shows how you have to work as a team to achieve goals. Theo knew what he had to do, but the mystery witness didn’t want to come out and tell what he saw, which made it harder for there to be a completely fair and honest trial. 

Throughout this book and the rest of the series, Theo fights through his problems, while also advising his friends. He never puts himself over others, helping everyone succeed and be happy. 

I would give this book a 10/10 rating because the author did a great job of including plot twists throughout the novel. Just as the trial seemed to be coming to a close, something significant would happen, creating more and more obstacles for the characters to get through. John Grisham did a great job including his knowledge of the law in this book. I learned a lot of different facts about the U.S. justice system as I was reading about Theodore Boone and the murder trial. 

If you are interested in becoming a lawyer in the future, or if you just want to read about a thrilling murder mystery, this book would be a great read for you!

-Mert A.

Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer by John Grisham is available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. It can also be downloaded for free from Overdrive.