Mockingbird Summer: A Novel by Lynda Rutledge – Paperback | Historical Fiction Coming-of-Age Story Set in 1960s Texas

About the Book

Set in the segregated town of High Cotton, Texas in 1964, Mockingbird Summer follows thirteen-year-old Corky Corcoran through the last summer of her childhood as her world transforms forever. When her family hires a Haitian housekeeper who brings along her daughter America, Corky discovers a friendship that will challenge everything she thought she knew about her small town and herself. This emotionally powerful novel from bestselling author Lynda Rutledge explores the impact of great books, the burden of potential, and the transformative power of friendship during one of America’s most turbulent eras.

From the Back Cover

“In big times of change, normal is what is being changed.” This is the summer when two girls will shake up High Cotton forever—one through her speed, the other through her courage to see the world differently.

About the Author

Lynda Rutledge is the bestselling author of West with Giraffes, which was translated into 16 languages and selected by the Library of Congress-affiliated Texas Center for the Book as their 2023 Great Read. She holds degrees in American literature and creative writing, with an MFA specializing in the craft of storytelling. Her work has earned awards from the Atlantic Center for the Arts, Illinois Arts Council, and Ragdale Foundation. Before becoming a novelist, Rutledge worked as a journalist, copywriter, and travel writer, bringing her deep understanding of narrative and truth-telling to every story she crafts.

Who Is This Book For?

This deeply moving novel speaks to anyone who has experienced the confusion of growing up in a world that doesn’t always make sense. Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction that brings the past to vivid life, someone who loves character-driven stories about unlikely friendships, or a reader searching for books that explore social justice with heart and hope, Mockingbird Summer delivers. It’s perfect for book clubs seeking meaningful discussions, educators teaching about the Civil Rights era, and anyone who believes in the power of stories to change hearts and minds.

What You’ll Experience

Through Corky’s eyes, you’ll witness the summer when thirteen-year-old innocence meets harsh reality, when a shared love of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird becomes a bridge between two worlds. You’ll feel the thrill of discovery as Corky learns about America’s incredible athletic gift—she can run like Olympic champion Wilma Rudolph. And you’ll hold your breath as a simple invitation to play on the church softball team ignites a firestorm that forces an entire town to confront its deepest prejudices. This is a story about finding your voice, standing up for what’s right, and the friendships that shape who we become.

What Makes Historical Fiction Set in 1964 So Powerful for Today’s Readers?

The Civil Rights Movement of 1964 marked a turning point in American history, and Mockingbird Summer captures this pivotal moment through the intimate lens of a teenage girl’s awakening. Readers discover how lunch counter sit-ins, landmark legislation, and cultural upheaval affected real people in small-town America.

Why Do Readers Connect With Coming-of-Age Stories About Friendship Across Racial Lines?

Stories of genuine friendship have the power to bridge divides and open hearts. Through Corky’s naïve curiosity and America’s quiet strength, readers experience the joy and pain of connection in a segregated world. These authentic relationships show us that change begins with seeing each other as fully human.

How Does This Novel Compare to Other Books Inspired by To Kill a Mockingbird?

Mockingbird Summer uniquely uses Harper Lee’s classic novel as a literal book within the story, showing how two girls experience the same text through completely different lenses. This innovative approach creates layers of meaning and demonstrates how our own experiences shape what we take from the books we read.

What Can Book Clubs Discuss About Small Town Texas Life in the 1960s?

Mockingbird Summer addresses racism and the Civil Rights Movement, women’s rights, the Cold War, the Kennedy assassination, and Vietnam War, making these larger historical issues personal through one girl’s perspective. Book clubs will find rich material for discussion about how much has changed—and how much hasn’t—in the decades since.

Is Mockingbird Summer Appropriate for Young Adult Readers?

The novel is written from a 13-year-old’s perspective and would be suitable for mature middle-grade and young adult readers, with some violence and references to drinking but nothing beyond what thoughtful young readers encounter in their education about this era. It offers an accessible entry point for teens learning about civil rights history through compelling storytelling.