Common Sense Media Review
By Patricia Tauzer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Moving tale of girl whose brother died in school shooting.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 31 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a deeply moving and thoughtful exploration of grief, empathy, and the challenges faced by individuals with autism, particularly through the perspective of a young girl coping with the loss of her brother in a school shooting. While it has been praised for its emotional depth and ability to foster understanding of special needs, some readers noted its slow start and mature themes, suggesting it might not be suitable for younger audiences without guidance.
- emotional depth
- perspective on autism
- themes of grief
- empathy and understanding
- thought-provoking narrative
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Caitlin, a bright, talented 10-year-old girl on the autism spectrum, diagnosed at that time with Asperger's Syndrome, is trying to understand the world around her, especially how to make friends and fit in at school. She also has to deal with the tragic shooting death of her brother, who had been her main support, and the pain of her father, who seems lost in grief over the killing of his son. Caitlin is intelligent, but "getting it," that is, understanding emotion or interpreting social behavior, is almost impossible. She has to use her intellect, the Facial Expressions Chart, and much verbalizing to herself to get it right. The reader sees all this from within Caitlin's mind, and it could not seem more real. Finally, with the help of her very understanding school counselor, the friendship of a younger boy, and the kindness of one of her classmates, she breaks through, and begins to understand empathy. As Caitlin starts to "get" compassion, so do those around her.
Is It Any Good?
Author Kathryn Erskine does a wonderful job of getting into protagonist Caitlin's head and taking us with her in this sensitive, captivating book that's simply a great read.
The story is a bit complex. With the school shooting, her father's overwhelming grief, and the responsibility Caitlin feels for bringing the situation to some kind of closure for everyone around her, it risks being more contrived and complicated than it needs to be. However, the tone is so perfect and the protagonist's voice so strong that it all seems quite possible.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it is that makes the other kids think Caitlin is weird in Mockingbird. Do you ever notice someone who seems unusual or doesn't act like everyone else? How do other people usually treat them?
Talk about what the title means. Have you read To Kill a Mockingbird? If so, what parallels do you find between the two books?
Why is important to have empathy for othrs?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Philomel
- Publication date : April 15, 2010
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 235
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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