My mother has sent Miss 10 a copy. I have read it but it was a long time ago so I can't remember if it's ok for a 10 year old - it is partly about a rape isn't it?

I think it would depend greatly on the maturity of the ten year old. And yes, it is partly about rape. The protagonist's father is defending a black man who has been accused of raping a white woman. You can find a plot summary here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/To_kill_a_mockingbird

It might even be a good one for the two of you to read together. I see no reason why, at 10 years old, you could read it to her and discuss the themes together. It is more than just the court case but what it is to be a tolerant person, father-child relationships etc.

I love this book and would love for my children to read it one day too

Thanks Lyra. I flicked through it and remember a bit more of it now. I don't really think it's age appropriate but I don't sensor what she reads anymore, since I know she can read whatever she likes from the senior school library during lunchtimes anyway
Reading books together sounds lovely in theory but considering Miss 10 can whip through a paperback in about 3 hours she is not at all interested in the slow pace of reading together I can imagine the withering look I would get if I suggested it

LOL It was just a suggestion

From what I remember the details of the rape are not gone into. Merely that there was allegations about whether or not the character in question had done it. You might want to re-read it yourself and be available for questions if necessary

I wouldnt really think a 10 year old would enjoy To Kill A Mockingbird, but then I did read Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice at this age, loved Jany Eyre but Pride and Prejudice went straight over my head.... But I still read it... Would read anything I got my hands on and just read whether I understood the ideas or not.... Has she read Goodnight Mr Tom, I loved this at that age... and John Marsden "Letters From The Inside" and "Something to Tell You"

HI TF

I have to say that To Kill A Mockingbird is one of my all time favourite books and movies and I re-read it all the time.

I agree it's probably not for a 10 year old but "knowing you" perhaps if you suggested discussing it together either at the end of the book or during that might be appropriate.

Cass