Rating: Not for me

Reading Level: Middle School


This was a new addition to our library and the cover showed two kids sitting on a tree together. Seems sweet and innocent, right? The premise is sweet: historical fiction embellishing the childhood friendship of two imaginative misfits who grew up to become acclaimed American authors, Truman Capote (author of Breakfast at Tiffany’s) and Nelle Harper Lee (prize-winning To Kill a Mockingbird). Although the cover image and the larger print suggest this book is for younger aged children, I would have some major concerns and parents should be aware:

  • Racism, racial slurs, and the klu klux klan. The klan is of course evil and portrayed as such. At one point Nelle’s dad stands up to the klan is a heroic moment, and much of the town gathers behind him in support. However, it still is something to consider whether your child is ready for these aspects of the important issue of racism, or for the terrifying moments encountering them.
  • Voodoo, and the use of herbs to try to dispel spirits: One of the central moments of the book includes the children being escorted by a woman who considers herself a voodoo priestess. She stuffs herbs in to her pockets & takes other odd approaches to try to appease dark spirits.
  • Incompetent, neglectful, absent (literally), and self-obsessed parents: Truman overhears his mother saying she can’t stand being around her son, and she unashamedly leaves him to be raised by cousins so that she selfishly can pursue her own self-absorbed life. She is distant and vain. His father is wanted by the law and always making empty promises and trying to make up for his absence with elaborate gifts he can’t afford. Poor Truman is treated like a nuisance by his biological parents.
  • Gender identity and bullying: Nelle is a tomboy whose dress and demeanor leads her to often mistakenly be called a boy, and Tru is often called a girl (intentionally, as an insult), due to his dress and mannerisms. Truman is described as being “fancy” and will wear over-the-top outfits with accessories like a parasol. It is perhaps not surprising (although heartbreaking nonetheless) that this invites bullying. Truman is resolute and never conforms.
  • Mental health: Nelle’s mom must make visits to the mental hospital and the way the community talks about it is pretty insensitive. I imagine that this is aligned with the stigma that mental health has had in the past, but nonetheless it that is a sensitive issue this book may not be a good fit for your young reader.

Bottom line: Although this is a story of friendship, imagination, and persistence in dark times, there are some huge, difficult topics in this book that your young reader may not be ready for. On the other hand, if you’d like to invite these challenging topics into your home to discuss them, this book might be a way to face some tough issues head-on.