The novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" was written by Harper Lee and published in 1960. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is set in the American South during the 1930s and addresses issues of racism, moral growth, and compassion through the eyes of Scout Finch, a young girl. The story revolves around her father, Atticus Finch, who defends a black man accused of raping a white woman. Lee's powerful narrative examines the complexities of human behavior and social injustice, making it a staple in American literature curricula. Its themes remain relevant, prompting discussions on race and morality in contemporary society.