Alabama Spitfire

Alabama SpitfireAlabama Spitfire: The Story of Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird by Bethany Hegedus, Erin Mcguire
Published by Balzer + Bray on January 23rd 2018
ISBN: 0062456709
Pages: 40
Goodreads
I have fond memories of reading To Kill a Mockingbird when I was young. So, I was excited to read this picture book about Nelle Harper Lee. As an adult reader, I loved learning more about Lee and her connection to Capote, and I think the author and illustrator created a beautiful text. However, the intended audience is 4-8 year olds, and I’m having a hard time imagining how a young reader could relate to the historical context of the book, the images that conjure memories of Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, or the quotes from the novel embedded throughout. Perhaps it would be more suited to a teacher read aloud at the middle or high school level when students are experiencing To Kill a Mockingbird for the first time. 

 

Reviewed by Amy Roberson, Librarian, Scarborough Middle School, Scarborough