To Kill a Mockingbird
#1 of 2 in To Kill a Mockingbird Series
on Goodreads (6,566)
What’s inside...
Scout Finch lives with her brother, Jem, and their widowed father, Atticus, in the sleepy Alabama town of Maycomb during the Great Depression. They befriend a boy named Dill, who is fascinated by their mysterious neighbor Boo Radley. Over two summers, the children try to make contact with Boo, who subtly communicates with them by leaving gifts in a tree. Despite their efforts, Boo remains elusive and never shows himself. The novel was voted America's Best-Loved Novel in PBS's The Great American Read. The unforgettable novel of a childhood in a sleepy Southern town and the crisis of conscience that rocked it. "To Kill A Mockingbird" became both an instant bestseller and a critical success when it was first published in 1960. It went on to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and was later made into an Academy Award-winning film, also a classic. Compassionate, dramatic, and deeply moving, "To Kill A Mockingbird" takes readers to the roots of human behavior - to innocence and experience, kindness and cruelty, love and hatred, humor and pathos. Now with over 18 million copies in print and translated into forty languages, this regional story by a young Alabama woman claims universal appeal. Harper Lee always considered her book to be a simple love story. Today it is regarded as a masterpiece of American literature.
Discussion points
How do you think Scout’s experiences with prejudice and injustice shape her understanding of the world?
Why is it important for Atticus to defend Tom Robinson, despite the disapproval from the community?
In what ways do characters like Mrs. Dubose and Boo Radley challenge the initial impressions people have of them?
How does the setting of the Great Depression influence the events and choices of the characters in the story?
What lessons about empathy and courage do you think this book offers?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use real-world examples to connect the historical context of the Great Depression and issues of racial injustice to current events.
Encourage your child to think about what courage means to them and discuss different forms this can take, as demonstrated by various characters in the book.
Discuss the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it’s difficult, using Atticus Finch as an example.
Explore each character’s perspective to deepen understanding of their motivations and the social dynamics within the story.
Revisit the evolving relationship between Scout, Jem, and Boo Radley to explore themes of friendship, mystery, and misunderstanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through Atticus Finch's advice to Scout to 'climb into someone’s skin and walk around in it,' the book teaches the importance of seeing things from others' perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by considering their friends' feelings and viewpoints in conflicts or misunderstandings, promoting empathy and effective communication.
Example Lesson: The importance of moral courage
Explanation: Atticus Finch's decision to defend Tom Robinson, despite the criticism from his community, illustrates the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is not popular or easy.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to stand up against bullying or unfair treatment of others, regardless of peer pressure.
Example Lesson: Racial injustice
Explanation: The trial of Tom Robinson exposes the deep-seated racial inequalities and prejudices of the time, demonstrating how personal integrity can be stifled by societal views.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of fairness and equality, and the impact of discrimination, helping them to build more inclusive communities.
Example Lesson: Growth and change
Explanation: Scout's experiences throughout the book allow her to grow from innocence to a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature and society.
Real-World Application: This highlights the value of personal growth through life experiences. Children can be encouraged to remain open to learning and evolving, even from challenging experiences.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and community support
Explanation: The Finch family and some community members provide a support system that helps them navigate through the challenges presented in the story.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of a supportive network, encouraging them to help and receive support from family and community in their own lives.