To Kill A Mockingbird

To Kill A Mockingbird
By Harper Lee

This is by far one of the most classic novels of all time.  The first time I read it, I was in ninth grade.  I didn't catch everything in it and remembered some of the vocabulary was hard to tackle.  Now, reading it about 6 years later, I have a new appreciation for the book.

Not only do I find it more interesting the second time around, but it was far less intimidating.  The length and difficulty were easily overlooked.  The story is of Atticus Finch and his two children.  Atticus is the attorney to a black man accused of raping a white women and the family journey through the trial.  The unseen Boo Radley, whom has never left his home, is also an ongoing mystery throughout the novel.

Although this novel is taught in ninth grade, I would suggest it to tenth graders.  Some of the language and content is very mature, but is a critical part of our past.  It appeals to history buffs, justice seekers, and the everyday reader who enjoys a young protagonist.  This is also a great novel to analyze, with endless symbolism and racial issues to pick apart.