In To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, a young girl named scout learns the difficulties of the world and the prejudices that come with living in the 1930s in the South. The main part of the story takes place around a lawsuit that has been called out upon a black man named Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson has been accused of raping a white woman named Mayella Ewel. Even though all the evidence points against Tom Robinson's guilt everyone in town is convinced he must be guilty because he is black.
Scout learns the hard way about the justice system when Tom Robinson is found guilty and then later shot to death. It's a great coming of age story for the young girl scout and is told from her point of view as an adult. She learns about the shortcomings in social justice and how unfair and cruel the world can be.
To Kill a Mockingbird is a fabulous book for a middle school or high school aged kid. I would suggest it be read for the upper middle school around 8th grade just because the themes are really deep and some might find them a little over the younger ones heads. An absolute must read for everyone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi88P7KfaMA
I agree that this book is a must read for everyone. It has a wide range of possibilities in education from teaching historial events, to sociological aspects, to simple literature lessons. To students this book can give a "face" to the discrimination and injustices felt by African-Americans in the United States, instead of just a very general historical fact. As this book submerges the reader into the racism and politics of our history, it has the potential to create an emotional pull, which will hopefully change the way people treat each other today. Great pick!
ReplyDeleteI think this book is a great pick for young adults. The book it’s self is awesome because it’s well written and the story it’s self moves quick enough so they students won’t get bored with it. I agree with your point about social justice. I feel we still have social issues today and I think this book would help students not only understand what society was like at that time, but I feel they would also be able to relate the social justice theme to issues kids face today. Learning about social justice is important but the application into their own lives is what makes this book a great tool and wonderful read.
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