Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
A YA book with virtually no action, an ambiguous resolution, and a villain that lurks menacingly in the background without actually doing anything. I'm actually sort of mystified that any 13-year-old would finish this.
I don't often give books one star reviews, but it was just so...boring.
And just when it started to get good it ended.
I really have a problem with books that just end and wrap up and all of a sudden you are in series land. If you have a compelling story, people will want to continue to read other books in the series. You shouldn't try to force them because the book just ends.
This book is basically a lot of information about the legal system. Maybe it will get kids interested in the law. Or maybe it will just bore them. It bored me and I really am interested in legal stuff.
I just really didn't like this one. It was disjointed and the storylines didn't all come together (maybe they will in other books?) and just wasn't all that exciting.
And just when it started to get good it ended.
I really have a problem with books that just end and wrap up and all of a sudden you are in series land. If you have a compelling story, people will want to continue to read other books in the series. You shouldn't try to force them because the book just ends.
This book is basically a lot of information about the legal system. Maybe it will get kids interested in the law. Or maybe it will just bore them. It bored me and I really am interested in legal stuff.
I just really didn't like this one. It was disjointed and the storylines didn't all come together (maybe they will in other books?) and just wasn't all that exciting.
This was a great read! The main character, Theo, is a likeable middle school kid who aspires to be a great lawyer. There are elements of humor, suspense, law, and mystery all wrapped into one enjoyable story. This was the first John Grisham novel I've read, and I will definitely read the other books in the Theodore Boone series. I would recommend this book to any young adult reader, this would even make a great read aloud.
I must admit, I'm fairly impressed with John Grisham's ability to write for kids. The story is quickly paced, the characters likable and smart, the writing unobtrusive (though in some places a bit old-fashioned sounding). I can definitely see that this book could be a great intro to the legal system for a kid -- Grisham weaves in a fair bit of courtroom procedure and information about the law without seeming too exposition-ish, and managed to keep the story moving forward.
Some aspects were a little unsatisfying -- there were several unanswered questions: Who is Omar Cheepe? What does he want with Theo? What is really the nature of the relationship between April and Theo? Why exactly was Ike disbarred? My guess is that the loose ends are intended to keep the reader hooked for sequels.
Overall, a simple, straightforward courtroom drama with a likable (and actually fairly realistic) 13-year-old protagonist, that might get some kids interested in becoming lawyers.
Some aspects were a little unsatisfying -- there were several unanswered questions: Who is Omar Cheepe? What does he want with Theo? What is really the nature of the relationship between April and Theo? Why exactly was Ike disbarred? My guess is that the loose ends are intended to keep the reader hooked for sequels.
Overall, a simple, straightforward courtroom drama with a likable (and actually fairly realistic) 13-year-old protagonist, that might get some kids interested in becoming lawyers.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook, and honestly don't think I would have finished it if I'd read it myself. Richard Thomas is officially one of my new favorite audio narrators. This was a clever young adult novel, following Theodore Boone, who, as the title suggests, is a kid who offers legal advice to his friends. I liked the story enough to want to listen to the next in the series to find out what happens, but I don't know that any of my students would like this, what with all the legal jargon that's thrown around. Also, I was a little disappointed to find out that in real life "surprise witnesses" aren't actually a thing in courtrooms.
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I think I've read this before and apparently enjoyed it (4 stars? shocking.), but I didn't remember and read it again. It wasn't great. It was very "John Grisham tries to write for kids." For me it was only so-so.
4.5/5 stars.
The book is really great for children trying to get into thrillers and mystery novels. I enjoyed it thoroughly. It was fast paced just as a thriller should be and the protagonist was well written too. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to start reading John Grisham but don't want to read heavy law thrillers.
The book is really great for children trying to get into thrillers and mystery novels. I enjoyed it thoroughly. It was fast paced just as a thriller should be and the protagonist was well written too. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to start reading John Grisham but don't want to read heavy law thrillers.
adventurous
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Theodore Boone is a kid in middle school whose parents are both lawyers. Though he himself is not, he spends a lot of time giving out free legal advice. For a children’s book, it was a good read. Very informative.