Series: Theodore Boone
Audio CD: 4 pages
Publisher: Listening Library (Audio); Unabridged edition (May 12, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 110191520X
ISBN-13: 978-1101915202
Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 1.1 x 5.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (775 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #290,014 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #14 in Books > Books on CD > Authors, A-Z > ( G ) > Grisham, John #154 in Books > Books on CD > Children's Fiction > General #2474 in Books > Children's Books > Mysteries & Detectives
Age Range: 8 - 12 years
Grade Level: 3 - 7
When I picked up a copy of THE FUGITIVE, I didn’t realize it was a young adult book. It didn’t take long to discover that: The reluctant hero was a fourteen-year-old boy and the reading level was less than an adult level. However, I decided to read it anyhow, focusing on its suitability for that age level. I was impressed. Theodore Boone’s parents are both lawyers. They live in a small town and this is the fifth book in a series. While there are references to previous books and hints of future ones, it can be read as a stand alone. Theodore Boone went to Washington DC with his eighth grade class on a school trip. While there, he recognized a man who looked familiar. It was Pete Duffy, who had been tried for the murder of his wife. The first attempt to bring him to justice ended with a mistrial and Duffy skipped town, forfeiting his bail before he could be retried. THE FUGITIVE is primarily the story of getting Duffy back and his second trial. Theo has very mixed emotions about his role in this retrial, especially his part it convincing a key witness to testify. The book addresses several current issues such as the homeless, undocumented workers, the death penalty and civic responsibility. It is not preachy and does a good job introducing them and the legal system to younger readers. Unlike other books of this genre, the hero works with the FBI and the court. He doesn’t attempt to solve a crime by himself. The writing does not insult the readers by dumbing down the situations or vocabulary or by having unnecessarily short chapters but it is a bit repetitious at times. It is predictable. It doesn’t explain why a Spanish teacher would be called Madame Monique instead of Senora Averez or something similar. On the whole, it is what serious young adult fiction should be.
Our young 'attorney' friend, Theodore Boone proves once again that he is up to the challenge. Theodore (Teddy as his mom calls him on occasion) is now 13 and his eighth grade class is on a field trip to Washington, DC. This is such a memorable trip for all of the students but for Theo it takes on an extra meaning. Theo thinks he recognizes someone from his home town of Strattenburg but is not completely sure of it. He calls on his Uncle Ike for assistance. If this is the person that Theo thinks it is, he is a wanted fugitive. Sometimes those wanted by the law hide in plain sight and escape detection. The story intensifies from this part forward and has multiple twists and turns.There are many reasons that I really enjoyed this book. In addition to the excellent story of the fugitive, Mr. Grisham has masterfully intertwined some valuable historical facts concerning the Washington, DC area. The reader will learn about Ford's Theatre, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian Institution. I felt as though I was strolling through the city with these young scholars listening to some important history lectures. I also appreciated the fact that several times throughout the story that Theo is forced to face life through the consequences of his actions. In particular, the idea of lying is brought up and Theo must determine how he feels about telling the truth.Court proceedings are discussed in detail and the young reader will gain an appreciation of that system, as well. The topic of illegal immigration is also brought up in this book. When I finished this story, I kept thinking about young Theo and what a brilliant and bright future is in store for him.Outstanding addition to the Theodore Boone series. The author suggests this is written for ages 8 - 12 and Grades 3 - 7.Most highly recommended and for multiple reasons.
Theodore Boone is in eighth grade now and as he goes on a field trip to Washington D.C, who does he spot? Pete Duffy! - the one who jumped bail and was never seen again. Theo’s quick thinking and a little help from Ike, Pete is apprehended and brought to trial. But the only person who can testify is an illegal immigrant who has already been threatened against it. It is up to Theo to convince Bobby to testify while shielding his identity. Theo’s own life is in danger as Pete now knows his identity.Theodore Boone is a prodigy when it comes to the law. He has proved himself time and again and he is back with this fifth instalment. The set of characters are great and entertaining. There are mostly repeat characters who have a role to play in Theo’s life constantly. Some of them have already grown on me including Theo. And then there are a couple of new characters who range from funny to interesting. John Grisham is a master of legal thrillers and it has been long since I have stopped questioning the procedures he writes in his books. The narration is as crisp as ever – some ordinary sentences and instances are elevated to the level of extraordinary with his style.While towards the beginning, I was amazed at Theodore’s characterization - a young boy with a high aptitude for the law; it is getting old and fast. His know-it-all attitude is wearing me down now. I wish for once he would act his age and need some help with the cases. It wouldn’t take away from is characters but make him more real. He is a kid end of the day and no matter his IQ level, all kids need guidance from time to time. Like in this book, there are instances where as a reader we realize that Theo is learning something new from the trial and it actually makes it easier for us to feel him and where he stands.Anyway, the cliffhanger in the end ensures that even the choosiest of the readers will pick up the next instalment.
Theodore Boone: The Fugitive Theodore Boone: the Accused Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer Theodore Boone: The Scandal Theodore Boone: The Activist Theodore Boone Box Set (Kid Lawyer / The Abduction / The Accused / The Activist) Who Was Daniel Boone? Football Fugitive (Matt Christopher Sports Classics) On the Run: Fugitive Life in an American City Yellow Roses: Serena's Strength/A Woman's Place/The Reluctant Fugitive/Saving Grace (Inspirational Romance Collection) The Court-Martial of Daniel Boone Narrative of William W. Brown, A Fugitive Slave Sue Grafton DEF Gift Collection: "D" Is for Deadbeat, "E" Is for Evidence, "F" Is for Fugitive (A Kinsey Millhone Novel) "F" is for Fugitive (A Kinsey Millhone Mystery) (Sue Grafton) Anthony Burns: The Defeat and Triumph of a Fugitive Slave The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt Time For Kids: Theodore Roosevelt: The Adventurous President (Time for Kids Biographies) Theodore Roosevelt for Kids: His Life and Times, 21 Activities (For Kids series) Who Was Theodore Roosevelt? Meade's Headquarters, 1863-1865: Letters of Colonel Theodore Lyman From the Wilderness to Appomattox (Classic Reprint)