I Kill the Mockingbird

When Lucy, Elena, and Michael receive their summer reading list, they are excited to see *To Kill A Mockingbird* included. But not everyone in their class shares the same enthusiasm. So they hatch a plot to get the entire town talking about the well-known Harper Lee classic. They plan controversial ways to get people to read the book, including re-shelving copies of the book in bookstores so that people think they are missing and starting a website committed to "destroying the mockingbird." Their efforts are successful when all of the hullabaloo starts to direct more people to the book. But soon, their exploits start to spin out of control and they unwittingly start a mini revolution in the name of books.

*I Kill the Mockingbird* by Paul Acampora is a middle grade novel perfect for fans of *To Kill a Mockingbird *and*Go Set a Watchman. *This title has Common Core connections.

“The banter among the three whip-smart friends would make John Green proud. . . . You won't have to hide any copies of this to create demand.” —*The Bulletin*

“Fans of Janet Tashjian's *The Gospel According to Larry* series will enjoy this look at how the power of creativity and the internet can cause a cultural movement. . . . Acampora's novel is for lovers of literature, especially how the classics work in the current moment.” —*VOYA*

**

### From School Library Journal

Gr 5–8—The past year had been an emotional one for 13-year-old Lucy: her favorite English teacher collapsed and died next to her in line at the school cafeteria, and her mother almost died from cancer and is slowly recovering. Through it all, Lucy's friends Elena and Michael have stood by her. Now it's time for summer break and the new English teacher hands out a list of required summer reading. Lucy's favorite, To Kill a Mockingbird, is on the list. Lucy wants everyone to read this great book, and hatches a plan with her friends that will "go viral" in a way far beyond what she could imagine. Meanwhile, Lucy tries not to worry about her mother—it's hard for the teen to believe that her mother, who was once told she had only a few weeks to live, is actually well. Lucy's also coming to the realization that Michael may be more than a friend, and wonders if she's ready for all the challenges that high school will bring. Funny, poignant, and quirky, I Kill the Mockingbird will appeal to today's middle schoolers who are tech-savvy, literate, and idealistic. Acampora has developed likable characters that readers will relate to; they will cheer as Lucy, Elena, and Michael work together and amaze even themselves with their courage and conviction.—Kathy Kirchoefer, Henderson County Public Library, NC

### From Booklist

It really begins with the death of everybody’s favorite eighth-grade English teacher, Mr. Nowak. Affectionately dubbed Fat Bob because he was as wide as he was tall (and he was very tall), the teacher had assigned only one book as summer reading the previous year, Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. Now, best friends Lucy, Elena, and Michael vow to find a way to memorialize Fat Bob by insuring that everybody will want to read the modern classic. Their plan: make the book desirable by making it scarce. Their strategy: visit every library and bookstore in the area and hide all copies of the book, then publicize their campaign with posters and a website proclaiming, I Kill the Mockingbird. Will the kids succeed? Will Lucy and Michael’s friendship blossom into something more? Will Lucy’s mom, whose cancer is in remission, ever learn to eat healthfully? Acampora’s well-­written, resolutely cheerful offering celebrates books, reading, and life, and that is surely enough to satisfy the most jaded reader. Grades 6-9. --Michael Cart