Little Flower School 6495 Lillian Highway P.O. Box 3009 Pensacola, FL 32516 (850) 455-4851

October 29, 2009

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Beginning next week, your child will be reading Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. This American classic explores the trials of growing up, prejudice, and courage. The innocence of eight-year-old tomboy Scout Finch fades as she encounters racism and ignorance in the Depression-torn South. Please note that this novel contains language that reflects the racially divided climate during the 1930s. Your child is about to embark on an extraordinary albeit challenging journey, as the book is divided into two lengthy sections—a Southern drama and a courtroom drama. We will be reading and discussing this novel for the next couple of months. It is imperative that you monitor your child’s reading at home. I strongly encourage you to ask your child questions to ensure his/her understanding of the text. The majority of your child’s literature grade will depend on his/her understanding of the novel and its themes and literary techniques.

The To Kill a Mockingbird novel assigned to your student is Little Flower property and is on loan to your child. Your child may underline passages or make notes in the book as long as notes are written with a pencil. If the novel is not returned in the same condition in which it was given, a new book must be purchased in order for Little Flower to have an adequate supply for future readers. On April 21st, the eighth grade is scheduled to see the nationally renowned play “To Kill a Mockingbird,” which is performed in Monroeville, Alabama, (Harper Lee’s hometown) every spring. I appreciate your cooperation and involvement in your child’s education.

Sincerely,

Ms. Ratliff

sratliff@pensacolalfs.org455-4851 ext. 206

Please acknowledge that you have read this letter by returning the section below. The signed slip is a part of your child’s homework grade.

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Child’s Name:____________________________________________________________________

Parent’s Name:____________________________________________________________________

Date:____________________________________________________________________________

To Kill a Mockingbird