“Blues Ain’t No Mockingbird” is a short story about the narrator and her family's life in the deep south. The family must deal with many changes that arise after two men with cameras invade their privacy to make a documentary. Engage students with premade activities and lessons from Storyboard That!
Blues Ain't No Mockin Bird Theme | Have students identify and illustrate themes in Blues Ain't No Mockingbird
Storyboard Text
PRIVACY
Blues Ain't No Mockin Bird
The Jumper
Goldilocks
From the title of the story, the reader can infer that "blues", or misfortunes, of others are unlike the mockingbird and do not suggest self-pity or death. More clearly, the misfortunes of others should not be exploited or mocked.
Looking at the story of the man attempting suicide, it is evident that Granny has contempt and disgust for people who try to take advantage of situations for their own benefit.
Followed by the story of Goldilocks, who goes into another person's home with blatant disrespect for the property and privacy of the owners, this last anecdote circles back to the invasion of personal space and privacy that Granny experiences with the cameramen.