In Theodore Boone:  The Abduction, John Grisham tries his hand at writing for kids.  Although this is the second book in a series, it is not necessary to have read the first book so feel free to jump right in.  The storyline is a mix of investigation and kid lawyer, which is actually a refreshing entry into children’s literature.  With mild content, this book could easily be enjoyed by readers as young as fourth or fifth grade, but with a 13 year old protagnist and because the case isn’t juvenile in nature, there is upward appeal for older readers.  I have a seventh grader who has been fickle lately in his reading tastes, but he picked up this book unprompted and finished it in one sitting.  What more recommendation could you ask for?

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  1 religous exclamation.

Violence/Gore:  Report of a previous death; a body is found in a state of decomposition (no details).

Mature Subject Matter:

Child abduction, child abandonment.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

A character smokes a pipe.  References to adult characters that have had drug convictions and are drug dealers.  Reference to a man being drunk and a bar.  Characters go to a frat party searching for someone.