Though the writing is a little difficult to follow in places, and some characters aren't as developed as others, the moral and judicial dilemma "kid lawyer" Theodore must address make this a valuable springboard for a quality discussion of justice and problem solving among middle school readers. A #1 "New York Times" bestseller. In the small city of Strattenburg, there are many lawyers, and though he's only 13 years old, Theo Boone thinks he's one of them. But Theo soon finds himself dragged into the middle of a sensational murder trial.