When You Trap a Tiger
Bibliography: Keller, T. (2020). WHEN YOU TRAP A TIGER. Random House Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 978-1524715700
Plot Summary:
Lily and her family move in with her sick grandmother Halmoni. Soon, a magical tiger straight out of Halmoni's Korean folktales arrives, prompting Lily to unravel a secret family history. Long, long ago, Halmoni stole something from the tigers. Now the tigers want it back. And when one of the tigers approaches Lily with a deal, to return what her grandmother stole in exchange for Halmoni's health. Lily is tempted to agree. But, deals with tigers are never what they seem! With the help of her sister and her new friend Ricky, Lily must find her voice, and the courage to face a tiger.
Critical Analysis:
Keller tells the story in a magical, relatable way. This story makes it easy to make connections about their personal relationship with their grandmothers and others from the get-go. The book describes the beautiful Korean culture along with its folklore that is felt throughout the story. The whole relationship between the Tiger, Halmoni, and Lily truly makes for a great adventure. The family struggles told in the story can be so relatable to many children and adults as family struggles are common. The lesson the story teaches throughout is so powerful, it is captivating and hooks the readers into wanting to keep reading. When Lily connects to her culture, it made me think so much about how I connect to mine as well. Keller shows readers different ways to show empathy and to finding one’s voice.
Review Excerpt(s):
Newbery Medal
ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN AWARD
"If stories were written in the stars ... this wondrous tale would be one of the brightest." --Booklist, Starred Review
“Deeply moving... vulnerable and mythic storytelling in the vein of Erin Entrada Kelly and Kacen Callender.” —School Library Journal, starred review
Connection:
*Students can consider cultural representation by comparing what they see in their world and the experiences they notice in the text.
*Students can write about the moral of the story.
Other books within this genre:
The Dragon Defenders by James Russell ISBN 978-0473376215
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