The story is set in Alabama during the Great Depression and follows the life of a young girl named Scout Finch. Scout's father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer tasked with defending a black man, Tom Robinson, who has been falsely accused of raping a white woman. In the face of overwhelming racism and prejudice, Atticus fights to prove Tom's innocence and uphold justice. Along the way, Scout learns about the harsh realities of her society and the importance of empathy and understanding.