Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck

Set in Great Depression California, Steinbeck’s famous novella tells the story of displaced migrant workers Lennie Small and George Milton, who dream of owning a farm. While George is quick-witted, Lennie struggles with a mental disability that leaves him unaware of social cues as well as his own strength. Throughout their journey from job to job in pursuit of their dream of land ownership, Lennie and George encounter all sorts of characters that amplify the novella’s themes of loneliness, friendship and the fragility of dreams. It raises important moral and social questions, but is largely banned and challenged due to its violent and mature themes and its depiction of disability. Its dark and realistic depiction of life during the Great Depression has been deemed by many too difficult for young readers.