The Activist
(Libby/OverDrive eBook, Kindle)

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 (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Always-noble-intentioned Theo Boone, son of lawyers and aspiring attorney himself, returns for another entertaining good-guys-versus-bad-guys ethical fight. Strattenburg is hot with debate over a planned highway bypass that opponents like Theo claim will pollute the air, take away valuable personal property, and fill crooked pockets. Grisham's pacing is steady, and he provides plenty of background for readers new to the series. (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.