A theme-based alternate title for the book To Kill a Mockingbird might be Other People’s Skin.

An alternative title for the book could be plot-based.  For instance, the book could be called Maycomb, because it takes place in Maycomb.  It could also be called The Trial of Tom Robinson, because the book is mostly about the trial.

The problem with these titles is that they focus only on one aspect of the book, and do not capture major themes.  The first is too vague, and the second is too specific.

Let us explore where the book gets its title and how.  The title of the book To Kill a Mockingbird is based on one of the book’s major themes and an important quotation from Atticus. 

Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird. (ch 10)

This quote is important because it highlights a significant theme: innocents should be protected, not targeted.  The book’s mockingbirds are Boo Radley and Tom Robinson, and these are victims of prejudice and racism.  Scout realizes this at the end of the book when Boo Radley protects Scout and Jem from Bob Ewell.  They do not want to bring to light Boo’s actions, to protect him from being in the public eye.

"Well, it'd be sort of like shootin' a mockingbird, wouldn't it?" (ch 30)

By returning us to this quote at the end of the book, Lee demonstrates that Scout has grown and matured.  She has learned empathy, and can look at things from other people’s point of view.

If we are replacing this title, we need to replace it with one at least as good.  So a meaningful title should also focus on a major theme.  Although this is an important theme from the book, there are others.  One of the themes is that growing up involves appreciation of others.  There is another important quote.

You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view-"

"Sir?"

"-until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." (ch 3)

If Lee had instead named the book Other People’s Skin, it would capture the theme of looking at things from others’ point of view, and also the concept of racism.  The title can be interpreted two ways.  This title would be a good re-titling because it captures a theme, is based on a quote from the book, and has a double meaning that captures the concept of racism.  The original title does all of these things, so this new one would be an example of a good title.

As you can see, coming up with an excellent title is no easy task.  You first need to decide if you want your title to be theme-based, plot-based, or whether it will be based on a character, place, or quotation.

The book could be called, "Those Who Need Protection". 

One theme of the novel, related to the symbol of mockinbirds, is related to the idea that not everyone is capable of protecting themselves in the ways they need most to be protected. This is true of Atticus, Scout, Boo Radley and Tom Robinson.

Summer in the South is an alternative title for To Kill a Mockingbird.

When giving a book a title, an author usually chooses a theme and bases the title on that.  The main themes of the book are coming of age and effects of prejudice.  A title that used either one of these themes would be a useful substitute.  This title’s use of the words “summer” and “south” are references to each of these themes.  Much of the growing up occurs during the summer breaks for Scout and Jem, and the Scout alludes to the prevailing racism.

Somehow, it was hotter then: a black dog suffered on a summer's day; bony mules hitched to Hoover carts flicked flies in the sweltering shade of the live oaks on the square. (ch 1, p. 3)

Titles also often use literary devices, such as alliteration.  Alliteration is the repetition of initial sounds.  In this case the words “summer” and “south” both begin with the “s” sound.

There are so very many I adore from the above responses, but I thought I would relate this to a recent, fun, and similar discussion question that read "Creatively rename the title of a classic work of literature."  http://www.enotes.com/lit/discuss/creatively-rename-title-classic-work-literatu-94015 My submission for To Kill a Mockingbird (which ironically was the only one I submitted that wasn't humorous) was To Kill a Mockingbird:  Post-War Southern Racism through a Child's Eyes. Why?  Because that is exactly what this most excellent novel is about.  Thanks, Scout, for giving us a new way to look at things!

I would call it The Ballad of Atticus Finch for the story's heroic main character and the sacrifice he endured on behalf of justice. Another cool title that I would give To Kill a Mockingbird would be Against All Odds because this is literally what Atticus was doing: Going against everything and anything that has come his way in order to ensure that Tom Robinson receives his due justice.

However, I agree with the previous post in that definitely To Kill a Mockingbird is a perfect title for the novel. It just demonstrates the depth of thought and feeling that Harper Lee infused in her work.

There have been some good suggestions already. I would consider something like 'Arthur's Story', as we are given a perspective on prejudice through the emergence of  Arthur 'Boo' Radley.  You could also consider 'Finch's Progress', in a similar vein to 'Pilgrim's Progress'. The Finch family learn much in the course of the novel.

Yes. Sounds like a homework assignment I give. Regardless, here you go.

1) "Walking in Their Skin"- Atticus' favorite saying.

2) "The Bravest Man Who Ever Lived"- As stated by Scout.

3) "Licked Before You Begin"- Atticus.

So there you go. The original came from the text, an alternative should as well. BUt allow me to say, the other posts have amazing answers!!!

There is no question that Harper Lee's title is the most apt for her novel. Still, the suggestions of post #1 are excellent. 

Perhaps another suggestion:  Maybe in Maycomb.  Within this small, southern town of Alabama, the chances for a change in attitudes--religious, social, racial--is not too expected, but Atticus Finch certainly tries to effect this growth in his children, his family, his friends, and his fellow townspeople.  

You might call it The Education of Scout and Jem since a major theme of this work is the way in which these two kids grow and learn through the events that happen in Maycomb.

You might also call it Pride and Prejudice.  I know that one's taken already, but much of this book is about those two things.  You have pride driving people like Bob Ewell and Aunt Alexandra and you have prejudice (against blacks, against poor people) as a major factor in the events of the book.

This sounds suspiciously like a homework assignment, and it might be an interesting one if not for the fact that To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the best--and most apt--titles of any American fiction. No title that you or I come up with will match Harper Lee's inspired vision. However...

• Finches and Mockingbirds.  I couldn't resist including the mockingbird in the title. Lee's symbolic usage of "Finch" for the family name is also deliberately similar to the other songbird.
• One Shot at Justice.  Atticus' old nickname is used with this one, with a reference to the Robinson trial included.