George,

Mockingbird is required summer reading in Albemarle County ( at Western Albemarle, my daughter, a rising sophomore must read it for Honor's English). This will be the 3rd time she's read the book, having read it twice - once at Tandem, once at STAB. She's seen the play at Heritage and the movie ( twice ).

Derogatory/ racist language within the context of a novel that's ultimate lesson is about tolerance is not only appropriate but necessary to drive that theme home. How any educated so-called teachers and administrators lack the insight and understanding to recognize the value of this very important piece of literature is beyond me.

Diane Taylor (electronic mail, August 6, 2001).