Book Review : ' Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer '

John Grisham is one the finest story tellers in modern literary world. He makes his readers turn pages over pages without letting them keep their books down. Grisham has mastered himself in writing legal stories. He has written more than 20 novels and he continues to mesmerize his readers with the incredible details of American law.

‘Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer’, the novel is an attempt by Grisham to reach young readers. The novel was published in 2010, followed by a sequel in 2011- ‘Theodore Boone: The Abduction’.

Hardly anyone has ever written legal thrillers for children. ‘Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer’ is one of its kinds. The story revolves around the main character, Theodore Boon, who is a 13 year old kid and who fancies to become either a criminal lawyer or a judge someday. Theo’s parents are lawyers and that tells why he wants to become a lawyer, rather than a cop or a surgeon. The story is about a murder trial and how Theo, with his knowledge of law, helps to bust the real murderer. Grisham keeps the story simple and comprehensible for his young readers.

Though Grisham’s attempt to reach young readers is applaudable, he needs to improve his storytelling ability by leaps and bounds especially when his readers are of the age group 8 to 12.

How many kids do really enjoy reading legal thrillers? For kids who enjoy reading Harry Potter books, legal thrillers are plain and boring. When there are hardly any elements of surprise in the story, the novel turns out be another textbook on law and judiciary system. Grisham needs to put more elements of surprise in his story. If he really wants to make a mark on his young reader’s mind, then he will have to venture more and start thinking like a 12 year old. He will have to come up with a solution where he keeps the legal nitty-gritty intact, along with adventures which will keep his young readers thrilled till the end.

Since Grisham has already published a sequel and looks to come up with more Theo’s stories, it is better to start with ‘Kid Lawyer’ and hope the series gets better as it unfolds.