To Kill a Mockingbird (for a 13 year old to read?)

[scrummyyummy]

Do you think it's appropriate for my 13 year old to read To Kill a Mockingbird due to the rape content? I'm sure I read it around her age (not that I remember much about it now!) but what are your opinions? Thank you!

[aniani]

It's a GCSE set text, I think it's appropriate reading for a 13 year old.

[sara3]

I read it at school when I was 11. it's mostly about racism, and there is an allegation of rape.

[marwel7]

If in doubt read it first and then decide if you think it suitable.

[scrummyyummy]

Thanks, guys. I think it should be fine as I have read it at her age (can't be bothered to read it again, Marwel 7!). I guess I'm just an over-protective parent or I've forgotten how grown-up 13 year olds can be!

[saxy_jag]

I read it at school when I was a similar age, and that was in the 1970s. As Sara saya, it's mostly about racism and a community's reaction to a white lawyer who defends a black man, and to the 'mad' man who befriends his children. The rape is alluded to in context rather than made a separate issue of. It's neither graphic nor gratuitous and is quite suitable reading for a 13 year old - especially if her parents want her to grow into a level-headed and open-minded young woman.

[scrummyyummy]

Thanks, everyone, for your replies. I'm pleased to know no-one thinks I'm irresponsible even considering this book for her age! How much she'll enjoy it remains to be seen as she's more into the modern books and just the mention of me having read it when I was around her age would probably put her off!

[chelle7272]

I'm surprised you can't be bothered to read it again, it's one my all time favourites. And no you're not irresponsible, my son read it when he was 13, he really enjoyed it.

[scrummyyummy]

Chelle: I don't actually mean I can't be bothered. What I meant was I'm far too busy to read it again! I have a list of things I need to do/new books to read and that's way down on the list as I have already read it. Maybe when I retire I'll get round to re-reading it in my rocking chair!

[chelle7272]

oh right, with you :-)

[Mosaic]

You could also get hold of the film - black and white - it certainly exists in video, possibly alos on DVD by now. This gives a good context without dwelling on the actuality of rape.

[scrummyyummy]

Thanks, Mosaic. I have seen bits of the black and white film on TV recently and thought of recording it for her to watch but I had missed the start of it. I also decided if she watched the film, she wouldn't be bothered to read it (as has happened before with books that have come out as films) as she's quite a lazy reader and that's one reason why I wanted to get her to read more.