One of the books I remember most from high school was Harper Lee’s classic To Kill a Mockingbird. Set in Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, Scout Finch tells the story of her childhood.

Her father, Atticus Finch, is a respected lawyer and single father of two. Scout has an older brother named Jem, and after their mother dies when Scout is very young, the children are raised by Atticus with the help of their Black housekeeper, Calpurnia.

The children are fascinated by their mysterious neighbor, Boo Radley, who has not been seen outside for years. Local rumors paint him as a frightening figure, and Scout, Jem, and their friend Dill spend much of their time daring one another to approach the Radley house and trying to lure Boo outside.

The main plot of the novel begins when Atticus agrees to defend Tom Robinson, a Black man accused of assaulting a white woman. Nearly everyone in town has already decided Tom is guilty before the trial even begins, but Atticus believes otherwise and is determined to give him the fair defense he deserves.

This novel explores difficult themes including racism, prejudice, injustice, sexual assault, and violence, yet it remains one of the most widely taught books in American high schools. Through Scout’s perspective, Harper Lee presents these heavy subjects with remarkable warmth and humanity. Even years after reading it, To Kill a Mockingbird has remained one of the most memorable books from my high school years, and I still believe it belongs on the list of novels everyone should read at least once.