The term to kill a mockingbird refers to taking advantage of something innocent and pure for no justifiable reason.

When this book came out it was a instant hit. It was published in 1960 and won the Pulitzer prize in 1961.  It is now regarded as a masterpiece of American literature.

Much of the inspiration required to write this book came from her own childhood.  Her father was a lawyer and served in the state legislature in Alabama.  She grew up in the 1930’s in a rural Alabama town much like scout in the book.  She also was six years old when the scottsboro trial was held, much like how Scout was six when the Tom Robinson trial was held.

By writing this book Harper Lee brought about discussions about racism that were unimaginable before she published her book.  The book is now distinguished as being one of the best of all time.