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sandraagee 's review for:
Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer
by John Grisham
Some writers are great as writing for audiences of all ages. Some should just stick with what they're best at. Author John Grisham falls somewhere between the two - OK, but not stellar. A valiant effort, even if it doesn't quite hit the mark.
I can't think of another example in the kid lit world of a lawyer story, which makes this book fairly unique. The reason for this? Well, kids aren't lawyers so they don't have an obvious "in" to show us this end of the law. So how does one create a story for kids that gets down to the nitty-gritty of a trial? Apparently you create a kid with lawyer parents. A kid obsessed with his parents' work, who has over the years learned the ins and outs of the local legal system better than most grown-ups. A bit gimmicky, but I guess it works.
My real quibble with this book is that Theo is just a bit too perfect. He's too smart, too considerate, too charitable, too mature, too darn nice. His only real flaw is that the law seems to be his only real interest.
The language could also use some help. Grisham seemed to be most comfortable when talking about what he knows - the law - and you can see bits of his brilliance shine through. However, dialogue is stilted and unrealistic, especially when Theo and his friends talk. There are also long bits of expository narration where Theo explains the legal system. Full of useful information, but not creatively or even gracefully inserted.
Still, if you're willing to let these things go this book is fairly interesting. In true Grisham fashion the exciting world of criminal trials is explored, this time in a way that is actually very accessible to kids. I'm glad I gave it a shot even if it wasn't perfect.
I can't think of another example in the kid lit world of a lawyer story, which makes this book fairly unique. The reason for this? Well, kids aren't lawyers so they don't have an obvious "in" to show us this end of the law. So how does one create a story for kids that gets down to the nitty-gritty of a trial? Apparently you create a kid with lawyer parents. A kid obsessed with his parents' work, who has over the years learned the ins and outs of the local legal system better than most grown-ups. A bit gimmicky, but I guess it works.
My real quibble with this book is that Theo is just a bit too perfect. He's too smart, too considerate, too charitable, too mature, too darn nice. His only real flaw is that the law seems to be his only real interest.
The language could also use some help. Grisham seemed to be most comfortable when talking about what he knows - the law - and you can see bits of his brilliance shine through. However, dialogue is stilted and unrealistic, especially when Theo and his friends talk. There are also long bits of expository narration where Theo explains the legal system. Full of useful information, but not creatively or even gracefully inserted.
Still, if you're willing to let these things go this book is fairly interesting. In true Grisham fashion the exciting world of criminal trials is explored, this time in a way that is actually very accessible to kids. I'm glad I gave it a shot even if it wasn't perfect.