Theodore+Boone,+the+Accused+by+John+Grisham

Grisham, J. (2012). //Theodore Boone, the Accused//. New York, NY: Penguin Group.

The son of two lawyers, Theodore Boone is an 8th grade Boy Scout with a passion for the law. The story begins with the town and school engulfed in a murder trial. The defendant, who allegedly killed his wife, disappears on the biggest day of the trial. Theodore had been following the case's every move. Soon, the focus switches to the unexpected. Without any known reason, Theodore becomes a victim of theft and vandalism. Later, he's framed for a major theft. With the help of some close friends and his uncle, he unravels the mystery and proves his innocence.

Grisham does well in the novel to represent the lifestyle of a young adolescent. The story directly relates to middle grades students and relates to many experiences that they may have or are currently experiencing. The novel is very detailed in the families of the characters and can easily relate to different families that students may have. The procedures in the court system are described well to catch the reader's attention. One area of the novel allows for a bit of humor as Theodore represents a defendant in animal court. Students and teachers will benefit from the novel, especially when relating to judiciary practices and following rules.

Ideas for Integration:


 * Social Studies- Particularly 8th grade, the novel can be used to prepare students for high school. There is large amount of judiciary terminology defined well in the novel.
 * Mathematics- Teachers can use characters and situations within the novel to create word problems involving algebraic expressions. Teachers can also develop data relating to Theodore's investigation for students to calculate statistical solutions. Percentages can be practiced while students are learning about genetics in Science.
 * Language Arts- Students can discuss how the book would be written differently if it was from a different character's point of view. The novel can be used to discuss the building of a plot, use of theme, and the voice.
 * Science- When studying genetics, students can use characteristics of parents and students within the novel to learn why the main character has a greater chance of understanding law. Conducting an experiment can also relate to Theodore's theory, investigation, and discovery.
 * Arts- For theater, the novel can be adapted into a play for students to perform. In visual arts, students can create art based on their own visual interpretations when reading the novel.