The Fugitive

Gr 4–6—During a school field trip to Washington, DC, Theo spots a familiar face on a metro train. He is almost 100 percent sure that it is his old adversary, Pete Duffy, an accused murderer who's on the lam. Theo calls his Uncle Ike to share his suspicion and fears, and the two of them come up with a plan to try to verify that the person he saw is, indeed, Pete Duffy. One aspect of the story revolves around the hunt for Duffy, and Theo and Uncle Ike are very much a part of the action. The second part of the work involves the legal and court proceedings once Duffy has been caught. The serious and relevant contemporary issue of illegal immigration is raised when a crucial witness is reluctant to testify due to his immigration status. Grisham delivers this latest installment in the series with just the right amount of complexity, adventure, suspense, and legal proceedings in such a way as to engross, entertain, and educate young listeners without overwhelming them. Richard Thomas's measured pacing manages to convey a sense of quiet intensity, and his narration is consistent and flawless.