22 Books Like To Kill a Mockingbird
Have you ever read a book that left an indelible mark on your soul, a story so powerful it resonated with you long after you turned the final page?
If you found yourself captivated by the timeless themes of justice, compassion, and the complexities of society in Harper Lee’s masterpiece “To Kill a Mockingbird,” then you’re in for a treat.
In this blog post, we’ll embark on a journey to explore a curated selection of books that share the same poignant storytelling and thought-provoking narratives as “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
Get ready to discover new literary gems that will evoke the same stirring emotions and provoke meaningful reflection.
Books Like To Kill a Mockingbird
“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker
“The Color Purple” is a profound and moving novel that delves into the life of Celie, a young African American girl growing up in the early 20th century South. Through letters to God and her sister, Celie narrates her struggles with abuse, racism, and sexism, as well as her journey towards self-discovery, empowerment, and liberation.
The novel also explores the lives of other women in Celie’s community, showcasing their resilience in the face of societal oppression and their capacity for love and solidarity in challenging circumstances.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “The Color Purple” is set in the American South and tackles the pervasive issues of racial discrimination and social injustice. Both novels are powerful commentaries on the societal norms of their respective time periods, using personal narratives to explore broader themes of human rights, dignity, and the quest for justice.
While “To Kill a Mockingbird” is seen through the eyes of a young white girl witnessing racial injustice, “The Color Purple” provides a perspective from African American women, offering a deeper exploration of gender alongside race.
“Beloved” by Toni Morrison
“Beloved” is a deeply emotional and haunting novel that centers around Sethe, an escaped slave who lives in Ohio with her daughter Denver after the Civil War. The arrival of a mysterious young woman named Beloved forces Sethe to confront her traumatic past and the horrors she endured at the Sweet Home plantation.
Morrison’s masterpiece is not only a story about the ghostly manifestations of an unresolved past but also a profound examination of the impact of slavery on the human soul and the enduring scars it leaves on its survivors.
Major Similarities:
Like “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Beloved” addresses the dark aspects of American history, particularly focusing on the African American experience.
Both novels use their narratives to confront the legacies of racism and injustice, though “Beloved” takes a more mystical approach by incorporating elements of the supernatural to symbolize the haunting presence of history. Each story invites readers to reflect on the moral complexities of society and the capacity for both cruelty and resilience in the human spirit.
“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou
“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” is the first in a series of autobiographical works by Maya Angelou that chronicles her childhood and adolescent years, facing racism, trauma, and displacement in the American South.
Growing up with her grandmother in a small, segregated town, Angelou navigates the challenges of coming of age as a Black female in a prejudiced society. Her story is one of overcoming adversity through strength, education, and the discovery of her voice as a powerful tool against oppression.
Major Similarities:
This autobiography and “To Kill a Mockingbird” share a setting in the American South and grapple with themes of racial prejudice and social injustice. Both stories are told from the perspective of young protagonists who confront the realities of racism as they grow up.
However, Angelou’s work is a non-fiction account that provides a deeply personal and poignant look at the effects of these issues on an individual’s formation of identity and self-worth, echoing the coming-of-age aspect of Lee’s novel.
“The Secret Life of Bees” by Sue Monk Kidd
Set in South Carolina in 1964, “The Secret Life of Bees” follows Lily Owens, a young white girl haunted by the memory of her mother’s accidental death.
When Lily’s life becomes unbearable with her harsh father, she flees with her caregiver, Rosaleen, who has faced racism firsthand, to a town that holds the secret to her mother’s past. There, they are taken in by three black beekeeping sisters who provide them with love and the true meaning of family.
Major Similarities:
Both “The Secret Life of Bees” and “To Kill a Mockingbird” are set in the racially charged atmosphere of the American South and tell the story of young girls navigating a world marked by prejudice and injustice.
The novels explore themes of racial tension, the search for identity, and the impact of parental figures. They also highlight the importance of compassion, understanding, and the human capacity to transcend societal barriers, offering a nuanced look at the complexities of race and the possibility of reconciliation.
“A Lesson Before Dying” by Ernest J. Gaines
“A Lesson Before Dying” is set in a small Cajun community in the late 1940s. The novel focuses on Jefferson, a young black man who is wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to death.
The story unfolds through the eyes of Grant Wiggins, a teacher who is persuaded to visit Jefferson in prison to help him regain his dignity and humanity in the face of injustice. Their journey is a profound commentary on the value of human life, the impact of racism, and the possibility of redemption and hope within a flawed justice system.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “A Lesson Before Dying” deals with themes of racial injustice, the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by individuals in a prejudiced society, and the struggle for dignity and respect.
Both novels are set in the South and provide a critical look at the legal and social systems that perpetuate racial disparities. Through the development of their characters and the challenges they face, both Gaines and Lee illuminate the potential for personal growth and societal change in the face of systemic oppression.
“Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
“Their Eyes Were Watching God” is a seminal work in African American literature that tells the story of Janie Crawford, an African American woman in the early 20th century who seeks to find her own voice and identity amidst the constraints of society and her personal relationships.
Through her journey, which includes three marriages and a return to her hometown, Janie’s experiences reflect the struggle for self-realization and the desire for a meaningful life beyond societal expectations. Hurston’s novel is celebrated for its rich portrayal of African American culture, dialect, and the exploration of women’s roles in their communities.
Major Similarities:
Both “Their Eyes Were Watching God” and “To Kill a Mockingbird” explore themes of identity, race, and social norms, though from different perspectives and settings. Hurston’s novel, like Lee’s, delves into the protagonist’s search for a sense of self in a world rife with racial and gender prejudices.
While “To Kill a Mockingbird” is rooted in the racial injustices of the South through the eyes of a young white girl, Hurston’s narrative provides an introspective look at the life of an African American woman challenging the same societal constraints.
“Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” by Mildred D. Taylor
“Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” is a compelling narrative set in the Depression-era South, focusing on the Logan family, particularly the young Cassie Logan, as they navigate the harsh realities of racism and economic hardship.
The novel provides a stark depiction of the injustices faced by African American families through the eyes of a child coming to understand the social dynamics and racial tensions of her time. Taylor’s work is a testament to the strength, dignity, and resilience of the African American community in the face of systemic oppression and prejudice.
Major Similarities:
This novel shares with “To Kill a Mockingbird” the perspective of young protagonists dealing with the realities of racism in the South.
Both books offer a powerful critique of the injustices inherent in the social and legal systems of their respective time periods, highlighting the impact of racial prejudice on communities and families. The emphasis on moral integrity, courage, and the fight for justice in the face of overwhelming odds is a common thread that binds these narratives together.
“Go Set a Watchman” by Harper Lee
“Go Set a Watchman” revisits the world of “To Kill a Mockingbird” through the eyes of an adult Scout Finch as she returns to her hometown from New York City.
Confronting her father’s racist attitudes and the community’s resistance to integration, Scout grapples with her disillusionment and the complexities of her own beliefs and values.
The novel sparked controversy for its portrayal of Atticus Finch, previously idealized as a paragon of virtue, and its exploration of the deep-seated racial tensions and moral ambiguities in the American South.
Major Similarities:
As a direct sequel to “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Go Set a Watchman” continues to explore themes of race, justice, and morality, albeit from the perspective of an older Scout confronting the imperfections of her father and her community.
Both novels challenge readers to consider the difficulties of standing against societal norms and the evolution of personal convictions in the face of changing social landscapes.
“The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
“The Help” is set in Jackson, Mississippi, during the early 1960s and revolves around the lives of African American maids working in white households.
Through the stories of Aibileen, Minny, and Skeeter, a young white woman who decides to document their experiences, the novel sheds light on the racism, hardships, and daily indignities faced by black maids, as well as the complex relationships between them and their employers.
Stockett’s narrative confronts the racial prejudices and social hierarchies of the time, highlighting the courage and solidarity among women across racial divides.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “The Help” explores themes of racial injustice and societal norms in the South, though from a slightly later historical perspective.
Both novels employ a narrative that challenges the status quo and emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and the pursuit of justice.
While Lee’s work is seen through the lens of a child observing racial tensions, Stockett’s novel provides insight into the adult world of racial dynamics and resistance through storytelling.
“Sula” by Toni Morrison
“Sula” is a profound exploration of the friendship between two African American women, Sula Peace and Nel Wright, from their childhood in a small Ohio town through their divergent paths to adulthood.
Morrison’s narrative delves into themes of identity, morality, and the bonds of community, examining how the choices of the two women reflect and challenge the expectations placed upon them.
The novel is a complex reflection on the nature of friendship, the societal roles of women, and the impact of community judgment and individualism.
Major Similarities:
Although “Sula” and “To Kill a Mockingbird” are set in different regions and focus on varying aspects of the African American experience, both novels critically examine the intricacies of human relationships within the context of broader societal issues.
Morrison and Lee both explore the impact of community values and prejudices on the formation of identity and moral consciousness. “Sula” provides a nuanced look at female friendship and individuality in the face of societal norms, paralleling Lee’s exploration of racial injustice and the loss of innocence.
“Cry, the Beloved Country” by Alan Paton
“Cry, the Beloved Country” is a deeply moving novel set in South Africa during the early days of apartheid. It tells the story of Stephen Kumalo, a black priest who travels to Johannesburg to find his son, only to be confronted with the harsh realities of racial segregation and economic disparity.
Through its lyrical prose and compassionate exploration of social injustice, Paton’s novel highlights the profound impact of apartheid on individuals from both the rural and urban areas of South Africa. The narrative is a plea for understanding, reconciliation, and action against systemic racism.
Major Similarities:
Like “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Cry, the Beloved Country” addresses the themes of racial injustice and the moral integrity of individuals in a divided society.
Both novels are set against the backdrop of systemic racism and explore the personal and societal consequences of prejudice. Paton and Lee use their narratives to advocate for empathy, understanding, and change, making a powerful statement about the human capacity for compassion and the importance of standing against injustice.
“The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison
“The Bluest Eye” is a heart-wrenching novel that delves into the life of Pecola Breedlove, a young African American girl growing up in Ohio after the Great Depression.
Pecola dreams of having blue eyes, believing that beauty and societal acceptance are tied to whiteness. Morrison’s narrative explores themes of racial self-loathing, beauty standards, and the impact of societal norms on individual identity.
Through the tragic story of Pecola and the people around her, the novel critiques the destructive effects of racism and the quest for identity within a culture that devalues blackness.
Major Similarities:
Morrison’s “The Bluest Eye” and Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” both explore the consequences of racism and the loss of innocence through the eyes of young protagonists.
While “The Bluest Eye” focuses on internalized racism and the quest for identity in a society that marginalizes blackness, “To Kill a Mockingbird” addresses racial injustice and moral growth in the face of societal prejudices. Both novels are powerful examinations of the impact of racial discrimination on the development of individual identity and community values.
“Native Son” by Richard Wright
“Native Son” is a groundbreaking novel that tells the story of Bigger Thomas, a young black man living in poverty on Chicago’s South Side in the 1930s.
Trapped in a cycle of violence and desperation, Bigger’s life takes a tragic turn, leading him down a path of crime and confrontation. Wright’s narrative is a stark commentary on the social and economic forces that shape the lives of African Americans in urban settings, examining themes of race, class, and the American dream turned nightmare.
Major Similarities:
Both “Native Son” and “To Kill a Mockingbird” confront the harsh realities of racial prejudice and its effects on individuals and communities.
While Wright’s novel presents a more visceral and tragic portrayal of the consequences of systemic racism in the North, Lee’s work focuses on the racial tensions and injustices in the Southern United States. Each author uses their narrative to challenge readers to confront their own beliefs about race, justice, and humanity.
“The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
“The Hate U Give” is a contemporary novel that follows Starr Carter, a teenage girl who navigates life between her predominantly black neighborhood and the predominantly white prep school she attends.
The balance shatters when she witnesses the police shooting of her unarmed friend, Khalil. The novel addresses modern issues of racial injustice, police violence, and activism, offering a powerful exploration of identity, community, and the importance of speaking out against injustice.
Major Similarities:
Like “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “The Hate U Give” deals with themes of racial injustice and the importance of standing up for what is right, but from the perspective of contemporary society.
Both novels feature young protagonists who are forced to confront the realities of racism and are compelled to find their voices in the struggle for justice. Thomas and Lee highlight the impact of systemic racism on individuals and communities, urging a dialogue on empathy, understanding, and change.
“Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson
“Just Mercy” is a non-fiction work by Bryan Stevenson that chronicles his experiences as a lawyer working to defend those wrongly condemned or those who were not afforded proper representation.
Through the story of Walter McMillian, a black man wrongfully convicted of murder, and other cases, Stevenson addresses the flaws in the American justice system, including racial discrimination, legal inequities, and the death penalty.
His narrative is a compelling call to action for justice reform and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of injustice.
Major Similarities:
Although “Just Mercy” is a non-fiction account and “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a novel, both works address the critical themes of racial injustice, the importance of legal representation, and the moral imperative to fight against an unjust system.
Stevenson’s real-life experiences mirror the fictional trial in Lee’s novel, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by individuals in the justice system due to racial prejudice. Both authors emphasize the need for compassion, understanding, and systemic change to address the deep-seated injustices within society.
“To Sir, With Love” by E.R. Braithwaite
“To Sir, With Love” is an inspiring story set in post-war London, recounting the experiences of Rickey Braithwaite, a black engineer from British Guiana who turns to teaching in a tough East End school.
Confronted with racism, class prejudice, and cultural differences, Braithwaite uses unconventional teaching methods to reach out to his unruly students, breaking down the barriers of race and class. The novel is a testament to the power of education, respect, and love in fostering social change and understanding.
Major Similarities:
Like “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “To Sir, With Love” explores themes of racial prejudice and social injustice, but within the context of a London school.
Both novels highlight the importance of compassion, integrity, and challenging societal norms to bring about change. Braithwaite and Lee’s protagonists act as moral guides, teaching younger generations to look beyond race and prejudice, underscoring the universal struggle against discrimination and the potential for personal growth and societal progress.
“Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison
“Invisible Man” is a profound literary exploration of identity and race in America, told through the experiences of a young African American man who feels socially invisible.
The novel spans from his youth in the South to his adult life in Harlem, New York, where he grapples with the complexities of race, individuality, and society. Ellison’s narrative is both a personal journey of self-discovery and a sharp critique of the social and racial issues that African Americans faced in the early to mid-20th century.
Major Similarities:
Ellison’s “Invisible Man” and Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” both delve into the themes of racial injustice and the search for identity within a prejudiced society.
While Ellison takes a broader approach to explore the societal invisibility and dehumanization of African Americans, Lee focuses on the impact of racial injustice in a small town through the eyes of Scout. Both novels offer a deep examination of the social fabric of American life and the enduring challenge of overcoming racial prejudices.
“The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead
“The Underground Railroad” reimagines the historical network that helped slaves escape to freedom as an actual railway system, offering a unique blend of historical fiction and magical realism.
The story follows Cora, a young slave on a cotton plantation in Georgia, who makes a daring escape via the Underground Railroad, pursued by a relentless slave catcher. Whitehead’s novel is a harrowing and at times fantastical journey through the dark reality of American slavery and the quest for freedom.
Major Similarities:
Both “The Underground Railroad” and “To Kill a Mockingbird” address the profound injustices and moral complexities of American history, particularly concerning race and freedom.
While Whitehead uses a blend of historical and fantastical elements to explore the brutality of slavery and the resilience of the human spirit, Lee focuses on the racial tensions and injustices of the South in the 1930s. Each author crafts a compelling narrative that challenges readers to confront the legacy of racism and the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.
“Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
“Americanah” is a compelling tale of love, race, and identity, following Ifemelu, a young Nigerian woman who emigrates to the United States for college.
The novel explores Ifemelu’s experiences with race, identity, and the immigrant experience in America, as well as her relationship with her childhood sweetheart, Obinze. Adichie’s narrative weaves a rich tapestry of themes related to the African diaspora, the complexities of adapting to a new culture, and the search for identity in a globalized world.
Major Similarities:
Like “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Americanah” addresses themes of race and identity, but from the perspective of a modern, globalized world. Both novels explore the impact of societal expectations and prejudices on personal identity and relationships.
While Lee’s novel focuses on racial injustice in the American South through the lens of a young white girl, Adichie’s work provides a nuanced exploration of race and immigration from the perspective of a Nigerian woman in America. Each story offers insights into the challenges and complexities of navigating racial identities in different cultural contexts.
“Sing, Unburied, Sing” by Jesmyn Ward
“Sing, Unburied, Sing” is a poignant narrative set in Mississippi that explores the legacy of family, race, and the ghosts of the past. Through the journey of 13-year-old Jojo and his family, Ward weaves a story of pain, redemption, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
The novel blends realistic elements with magical realism, as the characters are haunted not only by the literal ghosts of deceased family members but also by the historical and personal traumas that shape their lives.
Major Similarities:
Both “Sing, Unburied, Sing” and “To Kill a Mockingbird” delve into the complexities of family, race, and the American South’s troubled history.
While Lee’s novel presents a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of racial injustice in the 1930s, Ward’s narrative offers a contemporary examination of the enduring impact of this history on modern families.
Each book uses the innocence and perspective of children to explore themes of love, loss, and the fight against racial prejudices, highlighting the power of storytelling in confronting the past and shaping the future.
“The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead
“The Nickel Boys” is a harrowing and profoundly moving novel set against the backdrop of The Nickel Academy, a fictional representation of a real reform school in Florida that inflicted abuse on its students for over a century.
The story follows Elwood Curtis, a bright and hopeful young black boy unjustly sentenced to the school, where he encounters the brutal reality of the institution’s regime.
Through Elwood’s eyes, Whitehead exposes the systemic racism and cruelty that pervaded such institutions, highlighting the resilience and courage of those who endured.
Major Similarities:
Like “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “The Nickel Boys” confronts the deep-seated racial injustices of American society, focusing on the experiences of young black males in the face of systemic oppression.
Both novels are set in the South and provide a critical examination of the legal and social structures that perpetuate racism and inequality.
While Lee’s work is a coming-of-age story that explores these themes through the trial of Tom Robinson, Whitehead’s narrative delves into the institutional abuse and the impact of segregation and discrimination on the lives of young black boys. Each offers a poignant commentary on the loss of innocence and the fight against injustice.
“Long Way Down” by Jason Reynolds
“Long Way Down” is a compelling and innovative novel told in verse, capturing the turmoil and conflicted emotions of a young boy, Will, as he grapples with the desire for revenge after his brother’s murder.
The entire narrative unfolds over 60 seconds in an elevator, as Will encounters the ghosts of those connected to his brother’s death, each sharing their stories and offering perspectives on the cycle of violence.
Reynolds’ use of verse and the confined setting create a powerful, immediate experience, exploring themes of grief, vengeance, and the consequences of our choices.
Major Similarities:
Both “Long Way Down” and “To Kill a Mockingbird” explore themes of youth confronting harsh realities and moral dilemmas within a society marred by violence and injustice.
While Lee’s novel addresses racial prejudice and the loss of innocence in a segregated Southern town, Reynolds’ work focuses on the contemporary issue of gun violence and its impact on African American communities.
Each story challenges its young protagonists—and through them, the reader—to consider the complexity of justice, the power of empathy, and the importance of making choices that break the cycles of hatred and violence.
