Title:
To Kill a Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee
Year of Publication: 1960
Genre: Coming-of-Age Fiction, Legal Drama
Setting: Maycomb, a fictional town in Alabama, United States, during the 1930s Great Depression era

Plot: "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a powerful and poignant novel that explores themes of racism, injustice, and the loss of innocence. The story is told through the eyes of Scout Finch, a young girl growing up in a racially divided and deeply prejudiced Southern town. Scout, along with her brother Jem and their friend Dill, becomes fascinated by their reclusive neighbor, Boo Radley. Meanwhile, Scout's father, Atticus Finch, a lawyer, is appointed to defend Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. The novel addresses issues of racial inequality, social injustice, and the moral courage needed to challenge societal norms.

Major Characters:

• Scout Finch: The narrator and protagonist, a young girl trying to make sense of the world around her.
• Atticus Finch: Scout and Jem's father, a respected lawyer known for his integrity and moral compass.
• Boo Radley: A reclusive neighbor whose mysterious presence fascinates Scout and Jem.
• Tom Robinson: A black man accused of a crime he did not commit.
• Calpurnia: The Finch family's housekeeper, who plays a significant role in the children's lives.

Awards: "To Kill a Mockingbird" received several prestigious awards, including:

• Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (1961)

Legacy: Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" is considered a classic of American literature and a seminal work addressing themes of racism, social inequality, and moral integrity. The novel continues to be studied in schools and universities for its exploration of complex moral issues and its portrayal of childhood innocence in the face of prejudice. It has had a profound impact on readers, sparking discussions about social justice and the importance of empathy. "To Kill a Mockingbird" remains a beloved and influential work that challenges readers to confront prejudice and injustice.