Look, this is a stone-cold American classic for a reason. It's beautifully written, Scout is an unforgettable narrator, and Atticus Finch set the bar for fictional parenting. The moral lessons about empathy, courage, and standing up for what's right are genuinely profound.

But let's be real: this is not an easy read for kids. The racial slurs are frequent and painful (even in historical context), the injustice is stark and unresolved, and the themes are heavy. It's assigned in high school because that's when most kids are ready to grapple with systemic racism and moral complexity.

The enrichment value is off the charts—this book teaches empathy and justice in ways that stick with you for life. But it absolutely requires adult guidance and discussion. Read it together, talk through the hard parts, and use it as a springboard for conversations about prejudice, courage, and doing the right thing even when it's hard.

Is it 'entertaining' in a modern sense? Not really—it's slow-paced, dialogue-heavy, and set in a world that feels very distant from 2025. But it's important, and that matters.