What is there to gain from adapting a book that's required reading for almost every American high schooler? A story as deliberately crafted as Lee's 1960 classic novel feels sacrosanct in this regard. Thankfully, Fordham's (The Adventures of John Blake) adaptation takes its text directly from the original and focuses visually on character interaction above all else, steering clear of gimmick or embellishment, perhaps to a fault. The Southern gothic setting is evocative in the narrative, and a few summertime vistas or precise images of small-town life could easily have made the artwork flourish. Instead, Fordham focuses on biting dialog, zeroing in often on Scout's face, furious at the unjust ways of the world. VERDICT Fundamentally, this adaptation captures the nuances of class conflict and entrenched racial injustice that bear repeated examination by every new generation of readers. Lee's novel remains a sobering challenge to our nation's conscience, in graphic form as formidably as in print. [See Prepub Alert, 4/30/18; previewed in Jody Osicki's "Graphically Speaking," LJ 6/15/18.]-Emilia Packard, Austin, TX © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 7 Up-Lee's classic novel is presented in comics format, reintroducing spirited Scout; her older brother, Jem; and their father, Atticus, a lawyer who serves as the story's moral center. As the Great Depression lingers in the small town of Maycomb, AL, Scout and Jem soak up their last moments of childhood innocence with their friend Dill. Beginning with the children's fascination with Arthur "Boo" Radley, their mysterious neighbor, the trio's perspective guides readers through complex issues facing 1930s Southern society. As the summer ends, the gap between innocence and experience widens for Jem and Scout as racial and gender tensions clash and bleed into the world around them. Atticus defends Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a young white woman, and the case rapidly reveals the dark underbelly of this seemingly genteel community. Fordham deftly interprets Lee's narrative with austere artwork. His palette is muted, but the frames pack a punch with panoramic views and revealing close-ups. A note at the end explains the adaptation's use of the n-word: "The inclusion of the word-its dehumanizing power and the ease with which it was used-is central to understanding the themes of the novel." -VERDICT The work's examination of topics such as the failure of the justice system will resonate with readers, especially those studying the source material.-Elise Martinez, -Zion-Benton Public Library, IL © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

This thoughtfully crafted interpretation of Lee's classic reintroduces readers to the Finch family: scrappy, outspoken Scout; her daring older brother, Jem; and Atticus, their defense attorney father and the book's moral compass. Decades-old tensions ramp up in their small Southern town when Atticus defends a black man accused of raping a white woman. Even the local recluse, Boo Radley, isn't free from the repercussions of the trial. Fordham visually establishes the world of Maycomb County-with all its unspoken laws pertaining to race, class, and family-with a sure hand. What stands out, upon seeing Scout and her entourage of free-ranging children in all their ragtag physicality, is that a world of children exists alongside the adult world: equally complex, populated by rumors about "hot steams" (ghosts) and poisoned pecans, yet also wild with possibility. Fordham's character drawings have an appropriate vintage look, and he chooses the right moments to slow down or pan out. The nighttime panoramas of the mysterious Radley residence are lovely and moody, and Fordham's sun-dappled days, blue-gray evenings, and sepia courtroom scenes are dampened only by an off-the-shelf generic font. More loving remake than revelation, Fordham's adaptation may be scrutinized by Lee's fans, but does sufficient justice to her portrait of injustice. Full art in color not seen by PW. Agent: Andrew Nurnberg, Andrew Nurnberg Assoc. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

The themes of Harper Lee's classic To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) class strife, racial inequality, hypocrisy in our justice system are still painfully relevant and at the forefront of American consciousness today. But just as relevant is our ability to define ourselves by our values rather than merely our circumstances, to challenge bigotry when the occasion calls for it. Perhaps because of this lingering relevance, it's fitting that this graphic novel adaptation holds fast to its source material, providing an unwaveringly faithful visual representation. Fordham's adaptation relies almost entirely on dialogue, a wise choice, considering Lee's careful use of southern dialect. His naturalistic artwork, meanwhile, is beautifully understated graphic and expressive when needed but ultimately delicate enough to never render the narrative overdramatic. This illustrative restraint is the perfect counterpoint to the weighty subjects at play and the exceedingly complex yet nuanced characters. Like Lee's spare novel, Fordham's graphic adaptation leaves us to ponder what is unsaid, what is unseen, what lies in the subtext. A moving new take on a familiar story.--Ada Wolin Copyright 2018 Booklist