Informational texts to accompany Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee’s classic tale To Kill a Mockingbird, set in the deep South and narrated by feisty Scout Finch, explores the emotional topics of race, justice, tolerance, fear and courage. Atticus Finch is a local attorney, who, against the advice of community and family members, takes on the case of a black man accused of raping a white woman from the community. Informational text pieces that will pair well with To Kill a Mockingbird will explore southern politics and communities of the past, topics of justice and fairness, and 1930s communities and ethics. Teachers will want to explore cross-curricular connections in English Language Arts, social studies and political science courses, including character education units in other areas.

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Close Reading Lessons

• A Long, Hard March (Grades 6-8; CCSS.CCRA.R.8)
• Employ One. Impact Many. (Grades 6-8; CCSS.CCRA.R.4)
• Wilma Rudolph: The Potential for Greatness (Grades 9,10; CCSS.CCRA.R.5)
• As a Leader, Nelson Mandela Was Willing to Use Violence (Grades 11,12; CCSS.CCRA.R.1)

Applied Argumentative Writing Lessons

• When We Step in—And When We Don’t (Grade 5; CCSS.RI.5.5; CCSS.W.5.1)
• Multiday Informational Text: The Power of a Voice (Grade 5; CCSS.RI.5.9; CCSS.W.5.1)
• Malala Yousafzai: A Girl with a Voice (Grade 7; CCSS.RI.7.9; CCSS.W.7.1)
• You Are What You Don't Say: Nonverbal Communication (Grade 8; CCSS.RI.8.3; CCSS.W.8.2)
• The Rise of the New Groupthink (Grade 9; CCSS.RI.9-10.3; CCSS.W.9-10.1)

Differentiated Lesson Sets for Grades 4-12

• Social Responsibility: How do individuals stand up and take responsibility for changing their societies?
• Societal Hierarchies: How did the early Japanese, Chinese, and Korean peoples organize their societies?
• Conflict and Dominance: How do conflict and the struggle for dominance affect the human spirit?

Introductions to Key Skills & Concepts

• Making Arguments About Point of View (Grades 3-5; CCSS.CCRA.R.6)
• Making Arguments About Point of View (Grades 6-12; CCSS.CCRA.R.6)
• Making Arguments About Words and Details: Informational Text (Grades 3-5; CCSS.CCRA.R.4)
• Making Arguments About Words and Details: Informational Text (Grades 6-12; CCSS.CCRA.R.4)
• Making Arguments About Author's Purpose (Grades 3-5; CCSS.CCRA.R.6)
• Making Arguments About Author's Purpose (Grades 6-12; CCSS.CCRA.R.6)