To Kill a Mockingbird was written by Harper Lee and published in 1960. The book focuses on two children, Scout and Jem Finch, and their lawyer father, Atticus, during the early years of the Great Depression. Harper Lee wrote this book portraying the prejudice of the South during this time period, with the main characters not having a clue as to why African-Americans are treated differently than whites. The innocence of young Scout, being protected by her brother during these hard times creates a marvelous story. Due to the language and racist themes present in the book, it was added to the list of banned books.

As the story begins, Scout, Jem, and their friend Dill have not a thought in mind about racism, and blissfully enjoy their summers messing around. However, Scout's father, Atticus, defends a black client in court, who was accused of a crime he didn't commit. Soon after this, almost everyone Scout has ever known begins to turn on her, and she will learn the true colors of humanity. While they used to run amuck trying to meet their estranged neighbor Boo Radley, they will now realize how unfair the world of the south truly is.

I believe that To Kill A Mockingbird is an amazing book. The characters are filled with depth and personalities, with each one being unique in their own way. The plot is carefully constructed, with sudden twists that could leave you dazed. The violence and hatred some of the characters show toward African-Americans brutally capture how society acted in the 1930s. The characters are built around tolerance and hope, making each one almost as memorable as the last. If you are at least 14, and interested in reading a story about the unjust south in the early 1900s, I recommend this book to you, as it is a story you will never forget.