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WINNER OF THE NEWBERY MEDAL • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERWINNER OF THE ASIAN/PACIFIC AMERICAN AWARD FOR CHILDREN'S LITERATURE Would you make a deal with a magical tiger? This uplifting story brings Korean folklore to life as a girl goes on a quest to unlock the power of stories and save her grandmother.Some stories refuse to stay bottled up...When Lily and her family move in with her sick grandmother, a magical tiger straight out of her halmoni's Korean folktales arrives, prompting Lily to unravel a secret family history. Long, long ago, Halmoni stole something from the tigers. Now they want it back. And when one of the tigers approaches Lily with a deal--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.Tae Keller, the award-winning author of The Science of Breakable Things, shares a sparkling tale about the power of stories and the magic of family. Think Walk Two Moons meets Where the Mountain Meets the Moon!If stories were written in the stars ... this wondrous tale would be one of the brightest. --Booklist, Starred Review

Book Title: When You Trap a Tiger

Author: Tae Keller

Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Awards: Newbery Medal (2021), Walter Dean Myers Award (2021), Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (2021)

Synopsis:

In the captivating novel "When You Trap a Tiger" by Tae Keller, readers are transported to the vibrant and tumultuous era of 1930s Korea, where a young girl named Lily struggles to find her place in a world transformed by war and chaos.

Lily's life takes a dramatic turn when her family is forced to leave their home in Korea and seek refuge in a distant land. As they navigate the challenges of a foreign culture and unfamiliar surroundings, Lily grapples with her own demons, including a secret that threatens to tear her family apart.

Haunted by a mythical tiger that her grandmother claims to have trapped, Lily embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about her family's past and the tiger's legend. Along the way, she encounters an enigmatic boy named Ernest, who becomes her unlikely confidant and helps her unravel the mysteries that surround her.

In this compelling story of resilience, identity, and the enduring power of family, Lily learns to face her fears, embrace her heritage, and find strength in the bonds that unite her.

Key Themes:

- Cultural Identity: Lily's journey as a Korean-American girl navigating two different worlds explores the complexities of identity and belonging.

- Family and Legacy: The novel delves into the profound connections between family members and the lasting impact of ancestral history.

- Resilience and Hope: Despite the challenges she faces, Lily demonstrates remarkable resilience and finds hope in the midst of adversity.

- Magical Realism: The story incorporates elements of Korean mythology and folklore, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural.

Critical Acclaim:

"When You Trap a Tiger" has received widespread critical acclaim, earning prestigious awards such as the Newbery Medal and the Walter Dean Myers Award. Critics have lauded the novel for its evocative storytelling, its rich exploration of cultural identity, and its poignant portrayal of the human spirit in times of crisis.

Educational Value:

This book is a valuable resource for educators and parents who wish to introduce young readers to important historical events, diverse cultures, and the power of storytelling. Its themes of resilience and self-discovery can spark meaningful discussions about identity, family, and the universal human experience.

Overall, "When You Trap a Tiger" by Tae Keller is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that offers readers a unique perspective on history, culture, and the complexities of growing up in a changing world. Its heartwarming story and lyrical prose make it a must-read for readers of all ages.