85 pages • 2 hours read
Kathryn ErskineMockingbird
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2010A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Kathryn Erskine’s young adult novel Mockingbird, Caitlin Smith, a 10-year-old girl with Asperger’s syndrome, navigates her emotional and psychological growth after her brother's death in a school shooting. Through her love of drawing and words, Caitlin gradually finds ways to understand and cope with her loss, while forming a significant friendship with Michael, the young son of a teacher killed in the same tragedy. The story also depicts how a community unites in the aftermath of such violence directed against innocent children. Gun violence and ableism are present in the narrative.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Kathryn Erskine's Mockingbird is praised for its sensitive portrayal of a girl with Asperger’s syndrome, capturing the emotional depth and complexity of her experiences. The narrative is engaging and offers valuable insights into coping with loss. Criticisms include occasional predictability and simplified character development. Overall, it is an empathetic and educational read.
Who Should Read Mockingbird?
Readers who enjoy The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon or Wonder by R.J. Palacio will appreciate Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine. This novel appeals to those interested in emotional, character-driven stories that explore themes of loss, learning, and human connection through the lens of a unique protagonist.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsLexile Level
630LBook Details
Realistic Fiction
Children's Literature
Modern Classic Fiction
Disability
Mental Illness
Grief / Death
Relationships: Family
Emotions/Behavior: Grief
Life/Time: Coming of Age