Book Review: To Kill a Mockingbird

By Harper Lee 

4 Stars 

I recently read To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and it’s one of those books that stays with you even after you finish it. It has a strong plot that pulls you in. Even the British said, “Every adult should read it at least once before they die.” Ain’t that crazy? That shows how good it is. The book is based on the author’s real-life experiences. It’s set in a small town in Alabama during the 1930s and is told through the eyes of Scout Finch, a young girl who lives with her brother Jem and their father, Atticus. A big part of the story follows the trial of a Black man accused of a crime he didn’t commit, while also showing how Scout and Jem grow up and start to understand the unfairness in their community. It’s not only about the trial, but also childhood, innocence, and learning what’s right and wrong. 

What I liked most is how real it felt. Even though it takes place almost a century ago, the themes of justice and courage are still relevant today. Atticus Finch stood out to me the most. He’s calm, wise, and willing to stand up for what’s right, even when everyone around him disagrees. That was powerful because it shows that doing the right thing isn’t always easy. I also liked how Scout tells the story in a simple but meaningful way. Seeing the world through her eyes made me think about how kids notice unfairness that adults sometimes ignore. It also shows how prejudice can be taught but also questioned when someone thinks differently. The only part I found challenging was that the book is a bit slow at the beginning, but once the trial starts, everything becomes more intense. Overall, I think it’s worth reading, and I rate it a 9/10 because it makes you reflect on things we don’t always notice in real life. 

Reviewed by Sandrine as part of the Teen Reviewer, opens a new window program

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