To Kill A Mockingbird

We began the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, today. It really is a milestone for the grade 10s as it marks a time when they are asked to be mature and study a novel with mature themes, such as racism. It is set in Depression-era Alabama and we will be studying the Depression, racism, and social and moral norms of the time and now. It has behaviour and language that can be, and should be disturbing. I have spoken with the students about the expectation of maturity and the seriousness with which we will be studying these themes. They also have the choice when reading aloud to skip any language that they find offensive and they will not be judged. This novel has such a stong and worthy message and the story is so beautiful, we continue to study it 49 years after it was written. I hope all the students enjoy as much as I do. If you have any questions of concerns, please contact me.