A legendary author’s shocking death

by Marianna Brogna, junior literary editor

Harper Lee, author of “To Kill A Mockingbird,” has passed away. She was found on the morning of Friday, February 19, in Monroeville, Alabama. She was 89 years old.

Lee was reported to have died in her sleep that morning. Her book, “To Kill A Mockingbird,” which was also her first novel about social injustice, touched millions, and sold over 40 million copies. It also won a Pulitzer Prize in 1961.

“I was sad to hear about her, she was an iconic female novelist and her writing resonates with male and female students of all ages. Her message is still poignant and writers, students, and teachers will still be inspired by her even after this loss,” high school English teacher Mrs. Marks said.

There was speculation that “To Kill A Mockingbird” was based loosely off of Lee’s childhood. Her father was a lawyer just like Atticus Finch in her novel, and she was a tomboy like Scout. Scout’s friendship with Dill in the book, may relate to her childhood friend, Truman Capote, author of “In Cold Blood.”

“I read To Kill A Mockingbird and while I didn’t like it, I thought that her writing was extremely good. When I found out she died, I wasn’t particularly upset. I wasn’t happy either. I guess I was indifferent,” junior Kailey Bosyk said.

Her work still lives on as “To Kill A Mockingbird” is still being taught in high schools and middle schools.