Summer Reads: To Kill a Mockingbird Turns 50

Three Kid Reporters moved by classic American novel

To Kill A Mockingbird

Author: Harper Lee

Publisher: J.B. Lippincott & Co.

Publishing Date: July 11, 1960

Number of Pages: 323

Recommended Age of Readers: 11 and up

It has been 50 years since Harper Lee’s great novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, was first published. The book became a bestseller and then won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Lee’s story was also been voted “Best Novel of the Century” in a poll by Library Journal.

Over the years, millions of copies have been sold. It has never been out of publication. People have enjoyed this story on every continent, but I may be the biggest fan. I love To Kill a Mockingbird.

I feel a strong attachment to this story because it is beautifully written and it’s told from the perspective of a girl, Scout. The story is set in the 1930s in a town called Maycomb. The dialogue between characters is written in a rural southern style, and it made me feel like I was in Alabama listening to a real conversation.

Scout, who is very smart, observant, and a tomboy, lives with her dad (Atticus) her older brother (Jem), and the family cook (Calpurnia). Her mom died when she was 2 years old.

Scout, who’s full name is Jean Louise Fitch, is not perfect. In fact, she gets into fights and has problems at school.

The story Scout narrates takes place over the course of three years and she learns many important lessons during that time. Maybe the biggest lesson of all is that she learns the importance of tolerance and looking at things from another person’s point of view.

“Climb into his skin and walk around in it,” Atticus tells her.

In this story of good and bad, love and hate, the mockingbird represents all things good. 

“Remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird,” her dad says.

Atticus, a lawyer, teaches Scout that the world can be a better place when people make an effort to understand each other. She learns from her dad to have compassion for those less fortunate. These are timeless lessons, whether you are in Alabama, New York, or Tokyo, which is where I happen to be right now.

The story is still relevant today because love and hate still exist and human nature remains much the same.

—Cecilia Gault

To Kill a Mockingbird Reviewed

When people define a book as a classic, it usually has three important attributes: a fascinating story, an expressive way to portray the story, and an important message. To Kill a Mockingbird is that and much more.

Written by Harper Lee as a simple reflection of her colorful childhood, it was published 50 years ago on July 11, 1960. It went on to be a bestseller.

Along its journey, the book won Lee a Pulitzer Prize and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The book itself is a fine work of art, which shows life through the eyes of a curious young girl who lived during the Great Depression. 

Set in 1935, Atticus Finch, a wise lawyer, lives with his 6-year-old daughter Scout in a little town in Southern Alabama. Scout and her older brother Jem meet a boy named Dill. Together they make a small gang that roams the town looking for something to do.

One thing they become obsessed with is trying to lure the reclusive Arthur “Boo” Radley out of his house. Since he is not often seen, the children’s imaginations are fueled and they believe he is a hideous looking monster. (He is not!)

At the same time, Atticus is working to defend Tom Robinson, a black man who has been charged with a crime he did not commit. If convicted, he could be given the death penalty. The trial is set during a time of racial inequality. Tensions between the black and white communities create a dangerous situation not only for Tom, but also for Atticus and his family.

I recommend this novel because it is very well plotted and written. The suspense grows as the story develops. When you start reading this novel, you will not want to put it down!

To Kill a Mockingbird is simply the best, and after so many years, it is still a completely relevant to read.

—Andrew Liang

A Timeless Classic

To Kill a Mockingbird, a timeless classic and deeply moving novel, turned 50 this week, and still remains a beloved story even after half a century.

The classic novel, originally published on July 11, 1960, was written by American author Nelle Harper Lee. Known more famously as simply Harper Lee, the young writer was a dropout law student from Monroeville, Alabama.

In her life, Lee only ever completed a single book, but this one story has had an extraordinary and lasting impact on Americans of all ages. Soon after its original publication in 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird won the Pulitzer Prize. It went on to become an enormously popular motion picture in 1962.

Both humorous and solemn, heart-warming and heart-wrenching, To Kill A Mockingbird is one of those classic novels that everyone relates to. Although it deals with issues prevalent during the Great Depression in the 1930s, the tensions and moral problems are still relevant today. To Kill a Mockingbird still leaves a deep impact and lasting impression on readers, even in today’s world.

A classic of the 1960s, and a classic today, To Kill a Mockingbird will forever have a place in the hearts of millions of readers worldwide. This novel is a must-read for all!

—Elizabeth Conway 

From Candidate to President

First State of the Union speech faces reality.

Wednesday night, millions of Americans tuned in to watch Democratic President Barack Obama give his first State of the Union address. He spoke to a joint session of Congress in the U.S. House of Representatives Chamber in Washington, D.C.

President Obama sprinkled his speech with humor and several off-the-cuff remarks. As I watched from my family-room couch with a pen and paper in hand, I began to see the candidate I remembered from the presidential campaign trail—but I also saw a new reality.

From my time spent covering the 2008 Presidential election, I will always remember then-Senator Obama as a powerful speaker, inspiring Americans with catchy phrases like “Change We Can Believe In” and Yes We Can.”

On Wednesday, after one year in office, President Obama’s words were similar to those used by candidate Obama. He was positive and hopeful, but also frank. He acknowledged that Americans are increasingly doubtful that he can deliver the change he promised as a candidate.

“None of this will come without cost, nor will it be easy,” he said of his plans to boost the economy and create more jobs. “But this is America. We don’t do what’s easy. We do what is necessary to move this country forward.”

He spoke of ways to cut the federal deficit and proposed a three-year freeze in federal spending. During the election, candidate Obama opposed a spending freeze, while his opponent, Senator John McCain, called for one.

As a candidate, Obama promised to end the war and bring home the troops. Although still promising to bring troops home from Iraq, more troops have been sent to Afghanistan. President Obama addressed that issue, renewing his promise to have all our soldiers home by the end of 2012.

The number one focus of the night was the need to create more and better jobs. The president forcefully told Congress that he wants to see a jobs bill on his desk “without delay.”

He criticized both Democrats and Republicans for stalling on a health care bill and urged the two parties to work together. Bipartisanship is another campaign pledge that has proven harder to do than to promise.

The focus and priorities have changed somewhat from the lofty goals of a campaign to the hard realities of governing. But from what I heard, the intent and the hope are all still there.

—Elizabeth Conway

PHOTO: Kid Reporter Elizabeth Conway interviews then-candidate and Senator Barack Obama as he campaigned through New Hampshire in September 2008. (Photo Courtesy Elizabeth Conway)

State of the Union Tonight

Kid Reporters watch the President from the campaign to the office.

Tonight President Barack Obama will deliver his first State of the Union address. The speech is made to a Joint Session of Congress (both House and Senate members) in the House of Representatives chamber in the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

I followed Obama on the campaign trail in 2008 and am interested to hear what he has to say now that he has been in office for a year. I’ll report back in a blog post tomorrow about my observations.

But what is a State of the Union address? Nearly a year ago, just after his inauguration, President Obama addressed a Joint Session of Congress. But this speech tonight will be his first official State of the Union address.

The State of the Union is among the President’s constitutional duties. The address informs Congress of the nation’s current condition. It is also a political opportunity for him to present his legislative plans and national priorities for the upcoming year. This is especially important in a mid-term election year. All 435 House members and one third of the Senate are up for re-election in November.

President Obama, known for his eloquent and poised oratory style, is expected to confront numerous controversies tonight. His tone will be “populist,” say some political watchers, meaning he will be speaking to the interests of regular American citizens.

The President is expected to focus on growing unemployment problems by suggesting new ways to create jobs for the middle-class and stimulate the economy. He is also expected to focus on voter complaints about his healthcare reform plan and the ongoing struggles for American families.

Other controversial topics will be the President’s proposed federal “spending freeze”—an effort to reduce our growing national debt.

The State of the Union speech will be broadcast on all major TV networks, and online at www.whitehouse.gov starting at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. The speech is expected to last 60 minutes. If you do homework instead of watching, you can always check back here to find out what happened!

—Elizabeth Conway

PHOTO: Kid Reporter Elizabeth Conway talks with Senator Barack Obama after a campaign stop in New Hampshire in September 2008, two months before he was elected President. (Photo courtesy Elizabeth Conway)

What I Learned from Senator Kennedy

A chance encounter with Senator Ted Kennedy sparks a love for journalism.

Reporting is a family affair for the Manchester, New Hampshire, Conways. My older sister began the tradition almost five years ago when she covered the Democratic National Convention in Boston. I became an official Kid Reporter a few years later, but that was long after I got the journalism bug!

Back in 2004, I was 9 years old. I had been watching my 11-year-old sister Alexandra having so much fun working as a reporter. I wanted in on the action!

After begging to tag along, Editor Suzanne Freeman said, OK, that I could help with the coverage. It was the last day of the convention and I was so excited! I even got to wear a red kid reporter shirt and a Scholastic Kids Press Corps credential.I felt so special and couldn’t wait to begin.

Our first assignment that morning was to attend a delegation breakfast where Senator Ted Kennedy was a key speaker. Following his speech on education, our group pushed our way through the crowds to interview him. Although I was unable to get in a question, my sister was able to and I still remember the moment vividly.

Today as I hear about the death of one of the greatest senators of all times, I remember the moment when Senator Kennedy shook my very own hand. It was the first time I had ever been to an event as a reporter for Scholastic, and Senator Kennedy was the first famous person I had ever met.

That was the start of reporting for me. The event was the first time I had ever been surrounded by so many reporters and cameras and that first event was what really sparked my interest in reporting.

Had it not been for that day, when I met Senator Kennedy and was a real reporter for the first time, I might not have discovered my passion for reporting and writing. That passion led to biggest story so far: a one-on-one interview with then-Senator Barack Obama on the campaign trail. Thanks, Senator Kennedy! I'll never forget you and the passion you have inspired in me and so many others.

—Elizabeth Conway

PHOTO: You have to look closely, but that small face under my sister's chin (which is on the far right of the picture) is me getting a close-up look of my first celebrity. That's when my passion for journalism was first sparked! (Photo by Suzanne Freeman)

Summer in the Clouds

July 4th was the first day of sun in this soggy New England summer.

June 25th was my last day of eighth grade. Students everywhere across Manchester were in high spirits, just awaiting the final bell.  Not a single 8th grader in my class could wait for summer but honestly, even though school is out, it does not feel anything like summer.  The rain just keeps pouring down.

For the past two weeks in Manchester, New Hampshire, where I live, the rain has been endless. We have not had an ounce of sun. Pools and water parks have been closed and nobody is in the mood for cool summer treats. Even the fireworks for the fourth of July have been canceled!

Outdoor activities are definitely out of the question unless you want to be soaked.  So for the most part, families and friends have been sticking inside. Bowling and shopping are among the most common indoor activities. Not only is the rain endless and in my opinion depressing, but it is also hurting summer businesses like Water Country. The water park will be closed until the rain stops.

The ocean temperature on the New Hampshire coastline has decreased 11 degrees from 63° to 52° F.  So no swimming, hiking, or just playing outside.

When it is not raining, the sky is blackened with clouds, putting most people around here in gloomy moods. I wake up every morning hoping for a glimpse of the sun, but each day is the same: more rain. On the 4th of July, Manchester finally saw a little sun. But how long will the sun's rays last? Will we finally have the hot, humid, and bright days that symbolize a true summer? For now, more rain is forecas, but I’m still hoping Mother Nature will give my city a break from what has seemed to be eternal rain.

—Elizabeth Conway

PHOTO: Kid Reporter Elizabeth Conway spends a day in the rain in Manchester, New Hamphsire. Photo Courtesy Elizabeth Conway.

This School Cleans Up!

From butterfly gardens to recycling to clean up day, Hillside Middle School makes a difference one student at a time.

At Hillside Middle School in Manchester, New Hampshire, we have something called the Butterfly Garden. The garden, which is designed to attract butterflies, was created a few years ago by eighth graders at the school. Over the past two years however, the beautiful outdoor area has been forgotten. But not anymore!

Now the Student Conservation Association (SCA) is working with Hillside’s current 8th graders to restore the Butterfly Garden’s original beauty.

“We are trying to start a tradition where we are going to revamp this Butterfly Garden and keep it maintained so students can come out here and enjoy it,” said Ralph Protano, who is a part of the SCA’s NH Conservation Corps (NHCC). “Eventually we want to turn it into an outdoor classroom, that is our long-term goal.”

But for now, they are working on the beautification process.

“We’re just getting a place where kids can be excited about the outdoors right here on school grounds,” he said.

I am a student at Hillside Middle School where we are working to reduce, reuse, and recycle more.  At my school we have a recycling committee. So far, we have enforced a rule that teachers must turn off all computers, lights, and other electronic devises after school hours. We have recycling containers in the cafeteria for aluminum cans and water bottles. All paper and cardboard are placed in recycling bins and collected each week by the committee. Also, all the school’s lights are energy efficient fluorescent bulbs.

Along with these everyday efforts, my school is holding a clean up event on Earth Day, April 22. Students and Faculty members will stay after school and pick up trash on school grounds. We are also going to clean up the park across the street. 

When I think of Earth Day and ways to save our planet this quote always come to my mind: Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something (author unknown). in other words, no individual can do everything, but each and every person can do a little something to make a difference.

—Elizabeth Conway

Photo: Hillside Middle School's compost bin, which fertilizes the school's butterfly garden. (Photo courtesy Elizabeth Conway.)

Earth Day Celebration in Manchester, New Hampshire

I recently spoke with Ralph Protano, a member of the Student Conservation Association, more commonly known as SCA. Ralph is a part of the SCA’s NH Conservation Corps (NHCC), a group of 30 people who live together for 10 months at Bear Brook State Park.

To Protano, every day is Earth Day—a day to can look around and see the beauty of our planet and the fascination of nature.

“It’s a Day for awareness,” Protano said.

In honor of Earth Day, SCA held its 5th Annual Earth Day Celebration at Veteran’s Park in Manchester, New Hampshire, this past weekend.

“This is an annual event and we’ve been trying to expand it each year,” Protano said. “We’ve put a lot of time into the event this year, working on making the booths more exciting, more engaging, and entertaining,”

The topics ranged from recycling IQ tests to making your own Earth Day buttons, homemade foods and goodies. Other booths offered information on how to build rooftop green gardens. Each booth was unique and taught you something about our planet.  I even saw a hybrid car and an exquisite Vintage Euro-Style inspired ‘BMW’ isetta car.  Long name for a car!

The event featured an open mic, where people from all over the city sang, danced, recited poems, and showed off their talent. 

Another entertaining act included a hip-hop group called “The Apostles.” There was also a raffle, which gave away some really awesome prizes. The proceeds went into funding the event.

The SCA 5th Annual Earth Day Celebration was a great experience and a total success.  It was an opportunity for the people in my community to not only celebrate Earth Day, but to learn more about our amazing planet and ways to Go Green!

—Elizabeth Conway

Photo: Kid Reporter Elizabeth Conway tries out a hybrid car at the SCA Earth Day celebration in Manchester, New Hampshire, April 2009. (Photo courtesy Elizabeth Conway)