The NerdHerd Reads: I Kill the Mockingbird {by Paul Acampora}

Title: I Kill the Mockingbird

Author: Paul Acampora

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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 don't usually read middle grade books, but I enjoyed this one immensely. It was a super fun and enjoyable read.

Lucy, Elena, and Michael have just finished their eighth grade year. On their summer reading list is Lucy's favorite book, To Kill a Mockingbird. Being the best friends they are, one thing leads to another when suddenly Lucy comes up with a brilliant plan…stage a mockingbird revolution. The three hide copies of TKaM all over the town--moving them between other books and behind things, not actually stealing them. By bringing attention to the fact that all the copies are missing, they hope to revitalize people's interest in reading the book, and reading in general. And then, it catches on. And before they know it, it's something bigger than themselves. Something they may not be able to stop.

I really liked the premise of this. It was a really neat and interesting idea. I love that these young'uns are so interested in reading, especially classics. (Probably because, well, reminds me of myself at that age.) I like the idea of them starting a revolution to get people to read books. I thought the way it played out was well-done and very interesting.

This book isn't just about To Kill a Mockingbird though. The transitional between middle school and high school can be hard. Lucy's mom has just come back from the hospital after battling cancer. And Lucy may just be experiencing her first crush--on Michael.

This was a beautiful story on growing up, letting go, accepting change. The story seemed very realistic, because it's stuff we all go through. We know what it's like. As the characters figure out who they are, they each come into their own. It was also filled with laughter and fun times.

This was a fun, highly enjoyable story, but also filled with tender and serious moments. It almost didn't feel like a middle grade novel. It was a great read, and I think it can be enjoyable to all ages.

It almost makes me want to start my own #ikillthemockingbid revolution. Or maybe I'll just stick to rereading To Kill a Mockingbird.

I received an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion in any way.

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