Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury. A book's fate hangs in the balance.
Is the defense ready to present their closing arguments?
Yes, Your Honor.
The prosecution would have you believe that To Kill a Mockingbird is guilty: guilty of
being a required read in English classrooms and, by association, guilty of putting generations
of students to sleep.
Nothing ruins a book like having to read it as an assignment, they say.
But, ladies and gentlemen, remember those four words: Beyond a reasonable doubt.
You'll recall the defense's lineup of all-star witnesses. Those who read the book in school
and say it still changed their lives. Those who swam through the sea of nausea-inducing
lit terms—themes, symbols, motifs—and loved this book for what it really is: A coming-of
age story about confronting injustice and still finding a reason for hope.
You heard from those who forgot—FORGOT—they read this book in English class because it's
just such a darn good story.
The verdict is clear, ladies and gentlemen: You must acquit. Even English class can't
spoil To Kill a Mockingbird.