Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird

Gr 11 Up—Unlike Catherine Bernard's ZUnderstanding To Kill a Mockingbird (Gale/Lucent, 2003) or "Bloom's Modern Critical Interpretations" (Chelsea House), this text serves as a teaching tool and examines more sophisticated issues than earlier anthologies. An abbreviated listing from the table of contents is indicative of the depth and breadth of theses essays: Part 1-"Educational Approaches" includes articles on online discussions, multimedia presentations, and using soundtracks to teach the novel. Part 2—"To Kill a Mockingbird and the Justice System" contains a perspective on Southern Liberalism, the novel's influence on the legal profession, and "Bending the Law: the Search for Justice and Moral Purpose." Part 3—"Themes, Imagery and Structural Choices" looks at "paired characters," reading the book 50 years after publication, fear and Halloween imagery, the "Rigid and Time-Honored Code" of racism in sports, and symbolism. Part 4—"Social Concerns" addresses a variety of ways to view disability in the novel. Most of the 15 essays were written by scholars and educators; a few were contributed by communication specialists and an attorney. The articles regarding online discussions and soundtracks bring a completely new and fresh approach to teaching the classic. The essays on bending the law and how we look at "others" are thought-provoking. Although this excellent collection of viewpoints would be valuable to instructors, the reading level might be challenging for many high schoolers.—Joanne K. Cecere, Monroe-Woodbury High School, Central Valley, NY