Surprising and funny things can happen when a literary classic enters the brave new world of social media. Lucy and her two best friends begin their summer holidays with an uninspiring reading list for school. Reminiscing about the only book their favourite teacher set for the summer before, they also lament his untimely death. To Kill a Mockingbird was the book and, as a long summer awaits them, the three friends hatch a plan to create a demand for it. As Lucy’s mum, who is recovering from cancer, says, ‘Life is good, death is a mystery, the bird needs work.’

Funny and wise, playful and touching, I Kill the Mockingbird is about how one story can make a difference but it is also about the power of friendship, remembering those gone and cherishing those still with us. I loved this book. I love that it is about an old story but sharing the love in a very contemporary way. For readers 10 and up.

Alexa Dretzke