Book Review of When you trap a tiger by Tae Keller

 

1.      Bibliography

Keller, T. 2023. When you trap a tiger. Yearling. ISBN: 9781524715700

2.      Plot Summary

In this story of wonder, we follow a girl named Lily who mysteriously stumbles upon an image of a tiger.  A tiger that looks so real and stands in the middle of the road.  When the tiger begins to talk to her, she realizes that there is more to her Halmoni (grandmother) than she realizes.  Listening to her Halmoni’s stories she comes to find out her grandmother did something very bad, and this tiger wants to get it corrected.  Lily has obstacles to overcome and when her Halmoni grows sick, Lily will do whatever she has to do to make her grandmother better.  When Lily finally finds the truth she is able to let go and truly become herself and stronger for her family. 

3.      Critical Analysis

We follow a girl named Lily, this story is written in her perspective as a shy and reserved little sister in her family.  Sam, who is the older sister, is the outgoing one who can talk to anyone and make friends easily.  The girls grow up listening to their Halmoni’s (grandmother) stories and Lily never forgot about the magic in those stories.  The plot is believable and shows sibling rivalry as well as love for each other.  When Halmoni’s stories become reality Lily goes on different quests to help save her Halmoni.  The book hooks the reader with intriguing stories and leaves you wanting to know what happens next.  This book has quests, obstacles and villains (or so you think), and leaves a puzzle with every turn. We find ourselves in Sunbeam, a small town with a little library and so many people who love Halmoni.  Keller takes you on a journey with the grey green town and to Halmoni’s house covered in vines.  In this story we get a range of emotions, what you think is good versus evil becomes a story about love and when to let go and forgive. When you let go you still find hope out there and know you will become stronger because of it.  You can tell in the story Halmoni comes from an Asian background due to the way she talks.  This is a very easy book to fall into the fantasy world because it is our world, just with a tiger twist.  

4.      Review Excerpt(s)

WINNER OF THE NEWBERY MEDAL

WINNER OF THE ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN AWARD FOR CHILDREN'S LITERATURE

“A heartfelt reminder of the wonder and beauty in our everyday lives.” —Booklist, starred review

 

“Deeply moving... vulnerable and mythic storytelling in the vein of Erin Entrada Kelly and Kacen Callender.” —School Library Journal, starred review

5.      Connections

*Other books written by Tae Keller, I would have the students compare and contrast other book by this author

Jennifer Chan is not alone

The Science of Breakable Things

Mihi Ever After

*I would have the students find another book on a different culture of their choice and compare how this book represents its people and how it is similar or different.