In the small, sleepy town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, young Scout Finch lives with her older brother, Jem, and their widowed father, Atticus, who is a highly respected lawyer. Scout and Jem befriend a boy named Dill who visits Maycomb to stay with his aunt each summer. Together, they are fascinated by the local rumors about "Boo" Radley, a reclusive neighbor whom they have never seen. The children's playful curiosity toward Boo and their attempts to coax him out of his house reflect their innocent view of the world, which is soon to be challenged by the harsh realities of prejudice and discrimination they witness in their community.

The town's tranquility is disrupted when Atticus agrees to defend Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. Despite facing social stigmatization, threats, and the disapproval of many townsfolk, Atticus is determined to uphold justice and provide a proper defense for Tom. The children experience first-hand the injustices of racism and the complexities of human nature as their father stands against the intolerance of their community. The trial becomes a pivotal event that puts the Finch family at the center of attention and tests the moral fiber of the entire town.