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Askthejudge.info features regular updates from the news, important decisions from the nation′s courts, and online discussions with Judge Tom. Find out everything you need to know about youth rights, juvenile law and juvenile justice. AsktheJudge – Empowering youth one question at a time.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this site is made available to the general public and is not intended to serve as legal advice.You should consult a trained legal professional in your area for questions you may have about the laws affecting juveniles or any legal interpretations.

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July 1, 2010
Judge Tom
Blog, Great Reads
6

Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer

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“Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer” by John Grisham (2010).

Since you’re on this website, we assume you have some interest in the law.  That is why we selected a book this month about a 13-year-old, eighth-grader who is fascinated with all things legal.

Theodore Boone’s parents are lawyers — his father practices real estate law while his mother is in family law.  Theo is more interested in criminal cases and spends a good deal of his time in and around the courthouse.  He has even created an “office” for himself in his parents Boone & Boone law firm.

Theo knows most of the judges, lawyers, court staff and police in his small town.  He is known as the kid who thinks he’s a lawyer -even by his classmates who often impose on him to solve their problems.  He hasn’t yet decided whether he’ll be a famous trial lawyer or a judge.

The town’s first murder trial in years is scheduled to start before a jury.  The death of 49-year-old Myra Duffy has everyone talking.  Her husband has been charged with killing her.  Theo knows something and he’s torn between speaking up and keeping silent.  Either way he goes has serious consequences for others.

Between school, girls and the trial, Theo has little time to do much else.  However, he finds time to help classmates and their parents with advice about  legal matters in their lives. Of course, he can’t charge them – at least not for a few more years.

Mr. Grisham explains the law and judicial process by weaving it into the story.  You’ll gain a respect for the process and an understanding that ethics and morals play a role in our lives.  One sentence in particular sums up the book’s message:  Theo “. . .wasn’t committing a crime by hacking into the court reporter’s site, but there was definitely something wrong with it.”

Author, John Grisham, has written many books. Most are novels with  a legal theme and many have been turned into movies. His first nonfiction work was “The Innocent Man – Murder and Injustice in a Small Town” (2006). Mr. Grisham started his career as a criminal defense attorney in Mississippi and served in the Mississippi House of Representatives.

We hope this is the beginning of a new series. We’d like to follow Theo through law school and into his own practice.  For more about Theo and the law, take a look at www.theodoreboone.com.

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Judge Tom

The Author Judge Tom

Judge Tom is the founder and moderator of AsktheJudge.info. He is a retired juvenile judge and spent 23 years on the bench. He has written several books for lawyers and judges as well as teens and parents including 'Teen Cyberbullying Investigated' (Free Spirit Publishing) and 'Every Vote Matters: the Power of Your Voice, from Student Elections to the Supreme Court' (Free Spirit Publishing). In 2020, the American Bar Association published "Cyberbullying Law," the nation's first case-law book written for lawyers, judges and law students. When he's not answering teens' questions, Judge Tom volunteers with the American Red Cross and can be found hiking, traveling and reading.

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6 Comments

  • Julia
    November 27, 2011 5:41 pm count( 0 )

    Hey.. I love the book. AWESOME!

  • Mariah :)
    September 19, 2011 7:25 pm count( 1 )

    I just finished reading this book and i loved it so much!! it was a very good book i llok forward to reading the next one!
    Dear Mariah: We’re so glad you liked it as we thought it’s a great book. Stay tuned for a review of the sequel, which will be posted in October.

  • hi
    August 23, 2011 10:50 am count( 2 )

    ur ugly
    We don’t know the meaning or intent of this comment from “hi.” But it is an example of a message that could easily be misunderstood and hurt someone’s feelings. Cyberbullying is all too common today. We all need to “Think B4 U Send.”
    Thanks, “hi” for giving us the opportunity to bring you this reminder.

  • garner
    July 10, 2011 11:31 am count( 3 )

    i liked this book but i need to figure out theme forshadowing and symbolism and alot more please help me
    Dear Garner: Perhaps you could try asking a parent for help with your assignment or ask your teacher. Most teachers are happy to take some time to help a student better understand a homework assignment. Find out exactly what your teacher is looking for. Best of luck.
    (This is information only – not legal advice.)

  • Kayla
    March 1, 2011 3:44 pm count( 4 )

    I am reading this book and so far it is awesome! Thanks!
    Hi Kayla. We’re glad you’re enjoying the book. John Grisham is a great writer. If you decide to write a short review of “Theodore Boone” for us, we’ll post it on AsktheJudge.info.

  • Grace
    August 12, 2010 2:07 pm count( 5 )

    I am an elevan year old girl and i read this book. I hated this book so much that at mid daylight i fell asleep reading this. 🙁
    Dear Grace: We’re sorry you didn’t like it. We all have different tastes in reading just like in movies, music and food, right? So if you tell us what you like to read, we’ll try to recommend something for you. Thanks for writing us.