The classic American novel that explores themes of racial inequality and justice in the Deep South is "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. Published in 1960, the novel tells the story of Scout Finch, a young girl growing up in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s. Through Scout's eyes, the book addresses issues of racism, prejudice, and the loss of innocence, as her father, Atticus Finch, defends a black man falsely accused of rape. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is widely regarded as a significant work of American literature and has had a profound impact on readers for its exploration of social issues and its powerful portrayal of empathy and justice.