A Modern-Day Atticus Finch

Bryan Stevenson is a lawyer who fights for justice and mercy on behalf of those who are discriminated against. NPR recently featured Stevenson in an interview and Calvin College will be hosting him this winter for their January Series. The founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, whose book Just Mercy went on sale this past month, is quite a hero to those …

Maria Emerson: A Personal Take on To Kill a Mockingbird

By Maria Emerson, Technical Services Assistant at Western Theological Seminary I don’t remember exactly when I fell in love with “To Kill a Mockingbird.” In the same way that there are times in your life when you meet someone who impacts you profoundly, there are times when a book does the same. TKAM was that …

5 Reasons Why YOU Should Participate in the Big Read This Year

You’ve probably heard of this exciting program going on next month all over Holland! So why should you get involved? 1. Free copies of To Kill a Mockingbird will be given away at our kick-off event (November 3 at 7pm at Graves Hall on Hope’s campus) and at Herrick District Library on November 1. First come, …

Compassion and Forgiveness in To Kill a Mockingbird

In the midst of bitter friendship troubles, Atticus took Scout in his arms and told her this simple truth that we all can benefit from: “This time we aren’t fighting the Yankees, we’re fighting our friends. But remember this, no matter how bitter things get, they’re still our friends and this is still our home.” …

To Kill a Mockingbird Themed Crafts You Can Make at Home!

Feeling inspired after reading Harper Lee’s masterpiece? Get creative! Hand Drawn To Kill a Mockingbird Mug Step 1: Wash and dry your mug, if new.  Decide on a design and prep design with masking tape, if necessary. Step 2: Use a pencil to rough out design for any words or lines.  Remove masking tape. Step 3: …

It’s Worth a Second Look! Second Chances and To Kill a Mockingbird

by Katharyn Jones DISCLAIMER: This post has nothing to do with how to hunt or kill mockingbirds. However, this post will make you question life as you know it. My initial memories of To Kill a Mockingbird are intertwined with recollections of pimples, hormones, and weird body changes. I first encountered Harper Lee’s influential novel …