Theodore Boone: The Activist

Gr 6–8—Theodore Boone isn't your typical 13-year-old—he's a kid lawyer extraordinaire. The only son of two lawyers, Theo has a knack for getting to the bottom of things, which consequently leads to some sticky situations. There's courtroom drama and legalities, all explained in detail that is not only educational, but also downright entertaining. In typical Grisham style, this novel about eminent domain will keep middle graders hooked. As Theo finds himself in the center of a hot political battle over a proposed highway bypass through his town, he discovers corruption that has him questioning the ethics and motivations of everyone involved, including his father. When his beloved canine sidekick, Judge, is badly injured in a confrontation with surveyors, Theo discovers that a dog is not only a boy's best friend, but also his star witness. Richard Thomas is the perfect narrator, giving Theo's voice the same earnestness and innocence that he brought to his character of John-Boy on the iconic TV series, The Waltons. A great choice for libraries where the series is popular and also a strong stand-alone that can be enjoyed on its own.—Meg B. Allison, The Moretown School, VT