Tools for this page
Print

To Kill a Mockingbird

(1960, Fiction - Literary Fiction, Written by Harper Lee)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    This stunning story deals with intolerance.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Though some of the characters, and the society, are racist, this book is one of our most eloquent appeals for tolerance and justice. Lee accurately portrays both sides of the divided society of 1930s Alabama. The children sneak out in the middle of the ni
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A drunk breaks Jem's arm, and is killed with a knife. The children are stalked, and Atticus and his children face down a lynch mob in the middle of the night.
  • Sex:

    An alleged rape, and a white woman's socially prohibited infatuation with a black man.
  • Language:

    Mild profanity, and racial slurs issued by a bigot.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Mrs. Dubose is secretly addicted to morphine.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About To Kill a Mockingbird

Parents need to know that through the eyes of children Jem and Scout Finch, racism is examined when a black man goes on trial for the rape of a white woman. By turns warm, satiric, and devastating, this is a true American classic.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the severe consequences of intolerance. Why does Atticus take the risks he does? Does he risk too much? How does Scout change over the course of the story?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about To Kill a Mockingbird?
  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 46 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    The best of the best!!!!!

    This is the best book I have ever read! I recommend this for teenagers. The part I remember the most is Scout Finch getting in trouble, next Boo Radley killing Bob Ewell. I came across some cursing, but this book is great

  2. I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    I need to read more of it.

    My friend and I got this book like 2 days ago from our school library. I heard of this book from other websites and so I decided to try it. I only read 6 pages, and the writing already is great. I just can't wait to read it all :D

  3. I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    We had to read this in reading and I finished it in 3 days even though it took 3 months for us to discuss it. I loved this book and I think it needs to be read by everyone!

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 2.0

    Good messages,

    Seven year olds might not get the messages, but they certainly won't be disturbed by the violence. It might warrant a talk explaining rape though....most of my friends thought it was a boring book, hard to get in to. I agree with them. I've read the silmarillion all the way through, so when i say something's boring....

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    A must read

    This book is a classic. It should be read by all children. There are very strong messages in this book (such as why racism is wrong) and is a book that will stay with you for life. One of the best books of all time. Truly profound and will raise moral issues that you can disscus with your children.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Book of the Week

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Game of the Week

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Virtual Chinese New Year with perfectly designed games.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name