TKAM and the real life court case that inspired the book

"Joseph Madison Beck grew up hearing the story of the time his father, Foster Beck, an attorney in south Alabama, defended a black man charged with raping a white woman. But Beck didn't pay much attention until he was older. Each time he recounted the story, people would say, 'Oh, that's To Kill A Mockingbird.'

Whether the case influenced Harper Lee or not--it took place when she was 12--it had a tremendous effect..."

Wondering what happens after the novel ends? You may enjoy Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee, which is set around 20 years later.