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Harper Lee's "To Kill a Mockingbird" represents a seminal work in American literature, transforming how we approach conversations about race, justice, and morality through the innocent eyes of a child.

• Today's word: "seminal" - highly original, influential and important in shaping future ideas
• Synonyms include influential, foundational, groundbreaking, pioneering, transformative
• Antonyms include uninspiring, imitative, unimportant, derivative, conventional
• "To Kill a Mockingbird" published in 1960, tackled race and justice when silence was the norm
• The novel gave voice to marginalized characters who represented entire groups of people
• Lee's work challenged readers to reflect on their own beliefs and biases
• Its influence continues in classrooms, courtrooms, and conversations about empathy
• Four usage examples demonstrate how "seminal" applies in different contexts
• The true power of seminal works is their ability to spark ongoing change

Think of a seminal book, movie, speech or song that shaped your thinking or influenced culture. Write a few sentences explaining why you believe it's seminal, and use the word in your response.

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