Real Courage: The Story of Harper Lee

Gr 7 Up—This biography of Harper Lee, known as Nelle to family and friends, underscores the notion that her only novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, was heavily influenced by and a product of her upbringing in rural Alabama. Nelle Lee grew up in Monroeville, Alabama, during the Great Depression and was inspired by her surroundings, and those who peopled it, including and especially her father, A. C. Lee. Spunky, ferociously intelligent, and curious, she grew into a determined, brilliant individual known for her sharp wit and ability to connect with anyone. Any telling of her life cannot exclude detailed descriptions of events going on in the world around her, both in her childhood in the Jim Crow South and her adult years in New York City in the midst of the Civil Rights Movement, which was going strong just as the book was published. Students and teachers looking for a solid, accessible biography will find this to be a fine choice as the writing is straightforward and engaging. Charles Shields's I Am Scout (Holt, 2008) is perhaps a more elegant narrative with more details about Lee's life and relationships, but less approachable as a research resource. Period photographs and an interesting design enhance the narrative. A lengthy bibliography, source notes, and time line will be useful to teachers wanting to complement lessons about the novel.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA