Understanding To Kill a Mockingbird: A Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and

by Claudia Durst Johnson

This rich source of historical documents, collateral readings, and commentary will help students to study the novel in the context of its time. The source materials are designed to work with the novel to bring past and present into sharper focus and to place in sharp relief the issues of race, heroism, censorship, and the realities and stereotypes of southern life. Documents and readings include court testimony from the notorious Scottsboro Case of the 1930s, news stories and editorials on civil rights activities in Alabama in the 1950s, and memoirs, interviews, and other readings that promote interdisciplinary study of the novel. Study questions, project ideas, and bibliographies provide additional sources for examining the issues raised by the novel.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Rachel Mayes Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it was published in 1994, this is still a super helpful book for the classroom. It's got primary sources, commentary, and even some literary criticism. I can see it being an excellent resource for teachers.

[Bald Bull · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful tool for teachers trying to enhance unit plans on To Kill a Mockingbird and a useful tool for middle and high school students doing research on this book.

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This popped up on my library computer when I searched for To Kill a Mockingbird for a book discussion group, so I decided to check it out, along with the novel. I have often been impressed by the additionaly research that some people do when they read a book, especially if they are facilitating a discussion. This book provided some fascinating history and analysis of the novel and background information about Harper Lee that definietly enhanced my enjoyment and understanding of the novel.

[Nancy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In addition to a discussion on the high school English teacher's themes and symbolism, this book puts To Kill a Mockingbird into historical perspective by including such firsthand documents as transcripts from the Scottsboro trials of the 1930s, and newspaper articles from the Civil Rights era. And then it presents questions to help connect everything in your head.