Read what people said about the 2006 ONE BOOK ONE SIOUXLAND initiative...

Craig Berenstein, Mayor of Sioux City, Iowa:  

“The book To Kill a Mockingbird has had a profound impact on my life. To analyze and understand all of the social issues identified at that time and to apply them to the current world in which we live is both challenging and eye-opening. The struggles identified so long ago continue to impact our lives today, and it is my hope that as we reflect upon the past, present, and future issues of human interaction, we can continue to strive to make this a more open and accepting society.”

George Boykin, Executive Director, Sanford Community Center:

“One of the major themes in To Kill a Mockingbird is the quest for equal justice for minorities. It is a quest that continues to this day."

Margot Chesebro, English Teacher:

“Since first reading To Kill a Mockingbird in 1962, I have thought of Scout as one of my special 'literary friends.' What lingers most in my memory is Scout’s reaction to living in a world filled with loss, injustice, and evil. At the center of her world, however, stands her guide Atticus, a loving father armed with moral courage, understanding, and honor. As the novel’s narrative 'soul,' Scout is the universal child we would all like to be.”

Debi Durham, President, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce/The Siouxland Initiative:

“To Kill a Mockingbird is a piercing presentation of the cause and effects of racial prejudice contrasted with a model of compassion and courage found in Atticus Finch, my favorite character. His children, Jem and Scout, witness the depth of human depravity. Yet, rather than becoming symbols of shattered innocence, their father’s moral conviction provides a guiding strength for them.”

Judge Dewie Gaul, Iowa District Court:

“I finished reading To Kill a Mockingbird on May 8, 1961. It resonates in my memory still, over 40 years later. I look on it as one of the most powerful teachers of the evil of racial prejudice ever written, because its thesis is so convincing that no person of thought can fail to be influenced by it. When we remember that it was published when the opponents of Brown v. Board of Education were screaming for Earl Warren’s impeachment and vowing “segregation forever” and that now politicians from the former Confederacy cannot say enough fine things about Brown, we know that minds and hearts have been changed. I believe Harper Lee’s book played a big role in that.”

Kathy Jacobs, Director, South Sioux City Public Library:

“Reading has been a part of my life since elementary school. Being transported to other worlds and times or reading a book that causes me to learn is sheer enjoyment for me. The concept of a community reading and discussing the same book together is an exciting venture that I will enjoy immensely.”

Flora M. Lee, President, NAACP:

“Encouraging the community to read and discuss books is a wonderful concept. It allows everyone who participates an opportunity to discuss their similarities, differences, visions, perceptions, and emotions as well as builds respect for diverse populations in our community. Beginning this endeavor with To Kill a Mockingbird is quite daring, yet exciting. I hope and pray that as we read and discuss the message of this novel, we gain strength and respect for the differences brought to the table. This novel reminds us that we each have a moral and ethical responsibility to prevent prejudice, racism, and poverty from becoming hidden values in our nation again.”

William McLarty, Mayor of South Sioux City, Nebraska:

“Libraries are a dynamic force in the life of a community. In the same way, I believe the inaugural year of One Book One Siouxland will prove to be a stimulus that will continue to grow each year. As a retired educator, I cannot over-emphasize the importance of reading and discussing literature. From the founding of this nation until today, social change has followed the discussion of books and literature.”

Bruce Miller, Sioux City Journal Entertainment Editor:

“What did we get from the film, To Kill a Mockingbird? The true meaning of a hero. Gregory Peck showed us you don’t need to scale buildings, shoot guns, or bring down governments to register in people’s minds. In To Kill a Mockingbird, he demonstrated how action—often quiet actions—can resonate. Championing the cause of others may be the true measure of a man.”

Steve Rector, Superintendent, South Sioux City Community Schools:

"One Book One Siouxland will create opportunities for families to discuss literature, improving literacy skills and strengthening family relationships at the same time.  I encourage everyone to participate.”

John Reynders, President, Morningside College:

"The best way to make a book and its lessons 'yours' is through discussing it with others. One person's thought may bring insight to another--while building a connection that transcends social and economic barriers. How appropriate, then, that To Kill a Mockingbird, with its message that it is each person's civic responsibility to strive for social justice, is the inaugural book for this initiative."

Betsy Thompson, Director, Sioux City Public Library:

“A good book may take you anywhere. And, shared stories spark new thinking, growth, and understanding. I’m excited to re-read To Kill a Mockingbird and look forward to hearing the perspective of others—at one of the book discussion sessions, at the Orpheum Theatre movie showing, or even in the grocery store check-out line.”

Margaret Trysla, English Teacher:

“Students, even reluctant readers, love To Kill a Mockingbird. The book has it all: memorable characters who represent the many aspects of human behavior, an exciting plot with the trial scene as its focus, and great life lessons with Atticus as its moral center. It is an unforgettable book.”

Karleen Waller, English Teacher:

“I enjoyed reading To Kill a Mockingbird as a teenager, but as an adult it has given me a new appreciation for Harper Lee’s insight into humanity and relationships. The book repeatedly demonstrates the importance of compassion and tolerance toward others. The relation which most attracted me was the parent-child relationship; the values taught and modeled by parents can impact a child’s life dramatically.”

Larry Williams, Superintendent, Sioux City Community School District:

"How does an impressionable child growing up in a conservative, tradition-bound, and segregated society develop a sense of principled independence of viewpoint, thought and action? To Kill a Mockingbird is a study in 'how,' as seen essentially through the eyes and experience of its young characters—and all against the powerful imagery of black and white filming.  The study is a tour de force in appreciating the complexities of humanity."