In 2010, esteemed thriller author John Grisham decided to publish Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer, the first novel in his Theodore Boone series, which was written for children—a first for Grisham. The novel is set in the small town of Strattenburg and follows the eponymous Boone, a thirteen-year-old boy, as he works to become a trial lawyer. But to first prove his worth, Theodore must first solve an exceptionally complex case that means life and death for several people involved. Specifically, Theodore must contend with a cold-blooded killer and a high-stakes murder trial.
As with virtually every novel authored by John Grisham, Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer was an instant bestseller and received positive reviews. Many reviewers singled out the novel's writing, characters, and Grisham's ability to branch out into unfamiliar territories as positive aspects of the novel. The New York Review of Books echoed those sentiments. They called Grisham's novel an "entertaining and educational read" and called the premise "compelling." The Guardian opined that Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer should "not be missed" and praised the novel's "adventure."
