John Grisham to write children's books
Feb 27, 2010
John Grisham, the best-selling author of more than 20 books, is writing a new series for children centered on a precocious amateur lawyer.
The first in the series, which will be published in May 2010 by Penguin Young Readers Group, is called “Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer” and features the 13-year-old eponymous character, the son of two attorneys in a small Southern town. The second is due out in 2011.
Mr. Grisham has sold North American rights to the first two books in the series to Penguin, a move that takes him away from his long-time publisher, the Doubleday imprint of Random House. Terms of the new deal were not disclosed. Hodder bought rights to UK and Commonwealth territories, excluding Canada.
Doubleday will still publish Mr. Grisham’s forthcoming legal thriller for adults, an untitled work that will be released in October.
Oliver Johnson, who was Grisham’s editor at Century and now works for Hodder (UK), told the Bookseller the Boone books were a “terrific new project”. He said: “Theodore Boone is vintage Grisham: great legal drama, a lovable hero who brought a smile to my face and a really satisfying ending, all delivered at breakneck, page-turning speed.”
David Gernert, Mr. Grisham’s literary agent, said the author wanted to explore other publishers as he entered a new genre. “Children’s publishing is totally different from adults,” said Mr. Gernert. “So John felt that it would be a good idea to explore the world of children’s publishing and talk to a couple of different people.” Mr. Gernert said Mr. Grisham spoke with less than five publishers.
Stuart Applebaum, a spokesman for Random House, said that Random House’s Children’s Books division made an offer and expressed “our keen interest.”
Don Weisberg, president of Penguin Young Readers Group, said the new series would be aimed at children aged 8 to 12. The title character, he said, is “delightful, and the kind of character you would like the opportunity to develop over time.”
According to Weisberg, publicity plans for the series are “still being discussed. Our marketing plans and promotional plans will be very aggressive, obviously. Details to come. We’re in the planning stages.” Gernert said that his agency is just beginning to look into selling the series into foreign territories.
The book is scheduled to be released by Dutton Children’s Books on May 25, and on June 10 by Hodder in the U.K.
Comments
OMG, I was so excited when I saw that Grisham had a new book out, then I realised it was aimed at children!! Applause to Grisham for taking on a whole new genre but please continue to write books for adults as I am an avid fan and have EVERY book Grisham has had published. Due to this, I will be inclined to buy his ‘Boone’ books if only to make my collection complete!
How ya doin. You are the best author keep it up
moocow
I read the book AMAZING it helped me understand more about the differrent types of lawyers & I want to practice Family Law I can’t wait for the second book!!!!!!!!!
I have big hopes & dreams about being a Family lawyer like Marcella I have a long time before I go to college & law school but, do you think you can an advice column about how to to make it into law school & be a successful for young adults like me who want to be lawyers on your website it would be very helpful since you went through law school yourself?My 7 year old daughter just finished reading the book, she is now a fan (like mommy). Great book!
I have been a fan for years and read every single one of your books. AND I am more than an adult, I am considered a “senior” by most, but I loved the Theodore Boone book. I hope their will be many more books to come regarding the adventures of Theodore Boone. Thank you for a thoroughly entertaining read.
My twin boys, age 12, and I just finished listening to Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer, on audiobook. My boys play baseball, are hooked on video games, and are not considered “bookworms” by any stretch of the imagination. They LOVED this book and can’t WAIT for the next one to be published. THANK YOU, Mr. Grisham, for writing this book-which I think many, many children will appreciate and love.
I havent read the book yet but I really want to. Im in the 7th grade and before i didnt really like reading so i didnt read at all i would just look at a books cover and read the back to get the answers. But now in 7th grade i became more intersted in books,and also because i really want to be a lawyer so i am going to the library tonight to check it out. So i hope it gives me a good understanding of what a lawyer does and things like that. Because i figer that 2 be a lawyer you have 2 read alot,so i would like to read your book.
Cant Wait, Courtney!
Theodore Boone is a very good book, I have just finished reading it and I would recomend it to anyone. A book that makes you want to read on because there are always momments that has you on the edge of your seat.
A little about me…
I am a year 8 student and my dream is to become a lawyer, when I got given the book I got staight into it and I was hocked. It is just the book for me. I would recomend it to anyone kids or adults.
Great book can’t wait for the next one.
Ps. will there be a Theodore Boone collection?