cover image I Kill the Mockingbird

I Kill the Mockingbird

Paul Acampora. Roaring Brook, $16.99 (176p) ISBN 978-1-59643-742-5

In this quick, witty novel, narrator Lucy and her bibliophile best friends Elena and Michael embark on a campaign of literary rebellion in an attempt to compel fellow students to read To Kill a Mockingbird over the summer. Their plan? Hide copies of Harper Lee’s classic novel in local bookstores and libraries, which will promote a false sense of scarcity and increase demand. “It’s not stealing,” says Lucy in defense of the idea. “It’s shrinkage.” They also orchestrate an accompanying social media campaign, and before long the friends’ brand of “literary terrorism” has grown out of their control. Acampora (Rachel Spinelli Punched Me in the Face) layers the novel with emotional nuance, as Lucy worries about her mother who recently beat cancer, and the friends contend with emerging romantic tension between Lucy and Michael. Strong characters bolster the narrative, including Elena’s outspoken indie bookstore owner Uncle Mort. This strong novel stands on its own as a testament to the power of reverse psychology, but will resonate with fans of the original Mockingbird and maybe inspire a few to check it out. Ages 10–14. (May)