Contemporary lit for young readers has its icons: Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Artemis Fowl. Make way for the new kid on the block. With “The Abduction,” his second novel about teen detective Theodore Boone, John Grisham continues to carve out his own niche in this competitive genre.

In this novel, Grisham addresses tough subjects without talking down to kids: child neglect, drug abuse*, alcoholism* and the apparent abduction of Boone’s best friend, April.

While the police chase down their prime suspect, a prison escapee, Boone and his peer posse cruise the streets of their small town on bicycles, handing out fliers.

Boone is a terrific* character, someone other kids can relate to. He is smart but nerdy and respectful toward his parents and friends, but he is not afraid to speak up when he feels he should.

“The Abduction” is all about the precocious* and clever Boone. There are many positive messages wrapped in this entertaining story that appeals to the kid in all of us. (SD-Agencies)