Is it appropriate to read for 6-7th graders

[Kat]

Absolutely appropriate - children today are much more sophiticated than e were at that age!

[Terri]

In today's age our youth is exposed to things way worse than To Kill a Mockingbird but I read it for the first time in 8th grade and yet I have to say I probably understood it much better when I read it in my twenties. I think teachers shouldn't assign until High School, Americans tend to rush our youth.

[Suzy Manning]

My mother always said if I was old enough to understand it, I was old enough to read it.

Since this book is heavy reading, I would reccommend seeing the movie first and making up your mind from it. It is a very moving movie and book.

[Chloe]

The fact that it is narrated by Scout makes it somewhat relatable to children as they share the same tone of voice. Yet for the deeper and more difficult messages of the novel it might depend on the maturity of the child.

[ϟEvelynϟ]

Yeah, you should read it. I read it in 6th grade. It doesn't really matter if it has some adult themes. The best way for children to find out things is by Literature.

[Mockingjay4421ncis]

I read it in 7th, and it was pretty good. It's mostly just how things happen (strange people that stay in hiding) and real language that people use... So I'd say yes! :D

[Mary]

Grag wrote: "It's not suitable for schoolchildren at all, being a work of propaganda that is focused on negative stereotypes and heavy symbolism that denigrates white people, while do its utmost to embellish ar..."

I think you misspelled your name on your profile. Shouldn't it be "Gag?"

[Mary]

Grag wrote: "Typical liberal airhead. ..."

Typical GOP/KKK apologist.

[Amy]

Grag wrote: "It's not suitable for schoolchildren at all, being a work of propaganda that is focused on negative stereotypes and heavy symbolism that denigrates white people, while do its utmost to embellish ar..."

You realize this makes you sound like a raving loony conspiracy theorist?

[Susan]

Akila wrote: "I want to read the book To kill A Mockingbird,but wasn't sure if it was appropriate.
I read reviews on amazon and wasn't sure what to think."

Very Appropriate...I read it in 5th or 6th Grade...My Daughter as well...You will always love To Kill A Mockingbird and
Probably reread it. It becomes part of you..The Secret Life of Bees Is similar Have a look...

[Amy]

Grag wrote: "Amy wrote: "Grag wrote: "It's not suitable for schoolchildren at all, being a work of propaganda that is focused on negative stereotypes and heavy symbolism that denigrates white people, while do i..."

You realize you sound least rationale of anyone posting in this thread? You are in a world all your own.

[Molly]

its totally appropriate i read it my 7th grade year and the only thing in there is rape, and the southern talk is kinda hard to understand but i say read it its one of my favorite books and i'm sure it will be yours to

[Susan]

The Movie is so true to the book...You'll want to read it as soon as you can

[Lisa]

I read it when I was in the 8th grade. I think that some 6th graders would get less out of the book but it would not be inappropriate reading. My son read it when he was in the 5th grade (Excel class) and we talked about it at home. He was very mature for his age.

[Amy]

Mary wrote: "Amy wrote: "You realize you sound least rationale of anyone posting in this thread? You are in a world all your own. ..."

You might want to check your own grammar before deriding the post of someo..."

On my. So I goofed and had a typo by accidentally typing an "e." But it is fine that he basically called all of us mindless sheep following propaganda because we enjoyed this book? Did you not also reprimand him as well a few posts prior?

[Sosa]

Anyone with a mind mature enough to understand what happens throughout the story should be able to read the novel. Yes, 6th and 7th graders should be able to read the novel. Hell, I read the novel when I was in seventh grade.

[Toni]

I think it is appropriate for 6th-7th graders. I read this in middle school and loved it. I also read Scarlet Letter in middle school. :)

[Caleb]

Personally I would not allow my children to read To Kill a Mockingbird in the sixth or seventh grade--unless I was reading it with them. That I would do readily. Alone I would say eighth or ninth. I will grant Harper Lee, however, a commendation for handling her topics with tact and taste.

[Jane]

I believe the 6th-7th grade is the perfect time to read this classic. The maturity level of kids today is so much earlier than in the early 60's when I was in those grades. Hopefully it is at a time when they can discuss it with their parents and teachers with still open minds.

[Kurt]

Yes.

[Hannah]

I read this book in my 7th grade year. I think that all words that are inappropriate are already on most 6th and 7th graders radar. This book isn't bad as long as the reader is mature.

[Adrianna]

That's about the time that I read it.

[Raneem Al Aradi]

It's appropriate. It's actually a great story for kids in 6-7 graders. The only issue is the language that's used, some curse words here and there. But overall, it's totally appropriate.

[Linda]

From reading the comments,it seems most agree with the reading apropriate (To Kill A Mockingbird) but the understanding may not be "on target". The question that came to mind is this. Is it really appropriate? Perhaps, a reading and then a video rental of the movie would help the understanding. Next question then, would today's child of that age, like a black and white movie? Yet, it was an incredible book as well as movie. In conclusion, my suggestion would be the double feature... book and movie!

[Bonnie]

Honestly I think it would be hard to grasp for most 7th graders, inappropriate for some but hey it's your life do as you please.

[Anna]

YUP

[Glenn]

Absolutely. Read it in 7th grade and it made me think about how "different" didn't mean crazy or evil or wrong. During those young teenage years, it's an opportunity to view the world outside of middle school

[Yvette]

I think they should read it when they're a little older so they could really understand the whole concept Harper Lee was trying to get across.

[Mary]

Yvette wrote: "I think they should read it when they're a little older so they could really understand the whole concept Harper Lee was trying to get across."

I disagree. I think that kids need to read this as early as they are able to because the negative and discriminatory racial/gender attitudes are established early on. If they wait too late, then bigots in training will just dismiss it altogether.

[Arfaa]

6 and 7 graders can read it - no prob!! But i don't think they would be able to appreciate it fully at their age. No offense meant:D:D

[Blyden]

Back when I was in school, To Kill a Mockingbird was commonly assigned class reading in 7th grade. I think it would be perfectly suitable to most 6th graders as well. If your child is in 7th grade and finds the language of the book difficult to read, then there is either some kind of learning disability or else your school is not providing your child with a quality education.

[Mochaspresso]

Blyden wrote: "Back when I was in school, To Kill a Mockingbird was commonly assigned class reading in 7th grade. I think it would be perfectly suitable to most 6th graders as well. If your child is in 7th grade ..."

This is so unnecessary.

[Randy]

Mary wrote: "Yvette wrote: "I think they should read it when they're a little older so they could really understand the whole concept Harper Lee was trying to get across."

I disagree. I think that kids need t..."

I disagree. By the time they can read this, those prejudices have long since formed. The novel only really has power because those ideas have already formed. For instance, most minorities read this and don't understand what the fuss is about.

[Kayla]

I don't think this is appropriate because some of the kids wouldn't understand it.

[Toni]

I understood it just fine when I was in middle school. It moved me so much. It made me see how it was back in 50's 60's when the segration was still the 'law' (whites only, blacks only).... It also taught me about showing respect to EVERYONE. I just am saying that the books about the old days has taught me so much and it has changed our history.. Mocking Bird is basically teaching us students about what it was like back then.

[Melissa]

Yes, there are some impolite words in the book. Honestly, as a middle schooler, I heard a lot worse in the hallways. There are very few 7th graders who havn't.

Also, I read it in middle school and had no issue in understanding it. It's a deep subject, but not a difficult book. If someone is reading it and struggles to comprehend the book, they can always put it down and reread at an older age or ask someone who read it. The threat of struggling with it is not a reason not to try.

[Tzn]

Akila wrote: "I want to read the book To kill A Mockingbird,but wasn't sure if it was appropriate.
I read reviews on amazon and wasn't sure what to think."

You can read it and try to imagine yourself with what you'd find in it. It's an interesting novel for everyone

[Danielle]

I just finished this book and it was amazing. I think it would be good for any middle level kid, because it teaches you about the hardships of life, which everyone needs to learn at some point.

[Jan]

Emphatically yes! Why on earth not? I first read it at that age and of course identified with Scout.

[Becca]

The language isn't entirely appropriate, but any mature kid can read it. I read it in 8th grade in my English class, and while every other classmate of mine hated it (they hate anything they are forced to read) I loved it. To Kill a Mockingbird is an amazing book, but it all depends on the kid. I feel like a 5th grader will have to be a little mature to appreciate the book. Otherwise they will be like any other middle school kid and say they hate it before they even open it.

[Mo]

yes, depending on the maturity level. It's especially good to read and discuss together, and the movie is also beautifully done, for viewing afterwards.

[D]

Definitely a book that any grade should read. It is a mature topic but it's an enjoyable book.

[Mary]

Kevin wrote: "I would never advise anyone NOT to read something if they feel inclined to read it. But I would not use it in as a class novel - for instructional purposes - for anyone under say, grade 10, because..."

But it IS a story and writing can be absorbed on many levels at different times in life. This is a book IMO that needs to be read many times. The first time for the pure enjoyment of the story. As one ages and matures, then other aspects of the writing can be dissected.

[Mary]

Kevin wrote: "Yes, absolutely. That's why anyone who wants to read it should, as I said right off the top. All I am saying as that as a teacher, I prefer to teach it to older students because they are more likely to appreciate its many facets. I would not do it justice to try teaching it to younger students - as a "class novel." ."

I think that it would depend on the teacher. If one is a high school teacher, then going in depth is natural. If one is an elementary school teacher, then enjoyment just for the sake of the story as well as the messages about prejudice would be enough. Sometimes, analysis of a story for a grade is the quickest way to ruin a story for many readers. Once you already know you love the book, analysis is much more enjoyable.

[[deleted user]]

I would say it's important for 6th/7th graders to read it. They have encountered prejudice long before 6th grade. Maybe a little James Baldwin is in order, Sonny's Blues.

[Scott]

This book is over the heads of many high school graduates I know, and below the reading level of many middle schoolers. Like everyone before me has said, it depends on how advanced of a reader you are. I didn't read it till ninth grade, but I was reading things like Gone With The Wind by fifth grade and comprehending them fine.

[Ruth]

I, myself have read that book and I'm in seventh grade. Even though I have read it, I don't think it's appropriate for 6-7 because its a very high complex book with morals that people that so young of age won't get. I didn't understand the book till my teacher explained it to me, and I realized that I should read this book later in my life so I could fully understand it better. I highly don't recommend this book to grades 6-7 unless your a very complex reader with a high lexile.

[Mary]

Kevin wrote: "I guess I'd be uncomfortable with all the rape-related stuff - if my students elementary or middle-level. At grade 6/7 they might be ready for the prejudice/racism aspects of it, but teaching young..."

In 6th and 7th grade, some students will have already been raped themselves. In fact, nearly half of all rapes occur before the age of 18. Considering the recent very public cases about rape and consent, it is pretty obvious that many young people do not even know what rape is. I'd say this would be the perfect opportunity to enlighten them.

[Mary]

Kevin wrote: "I'd say Grade 6/7 might be an excellent age to make students aware of rape. But not by having them read To Kill a Mockingbird. I would want them to know what rape is - and probably more than that ..."

I agree that To Kill a Mockingbird is not the best choice to teach about rape, but neither should it be saved for later because it teaches about rape. 6th and 7th graders are 12-13 years old. The recent rapes that have shocked the world were perpetrated on 15-16 year old girls by boys around the same age. None of those boys seemed to understand that what they did was rape. Literature seems a safe way to introduce the topic where students can discuss it in the abstract toward a character rather than learning about it by it happening to a fellow student.

I actually read To Kill a Mockingbird to my oldest daughter when she was 7 (she had seen the movie and begged to read the book). I did not want her to read it on her own, so I read it to her. When we got to the part about the rape and the trial, I explained what rape was in terms she could understand at her age - touching of the body in private places without consent. She had absolutely no problem understanding the book or the concept of rape.

[Heidi]

I read this in school, I think it was either 7th or 8th grade.