When You Trap a Tiger: (Winner of the 2021 Newbery Medal)
WINNER 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
In the captivating novel "When You Trap a Tiger" by Tae Keller, the protagonist Lily is a Korean American girl living in a small town. Her family runs a struggling Korean barbecue restaurant, and Lily feels isolated and misunderstood both at home and at school.
One day, Lily's grandmother, 할머니 (Halmoni), arrives from Korea. Halmoni is a mysterious and enigmatic figure, and her presence disrupts the already fragile family dynamics. As Lily navigates the challenges of adolescence, she must also grapple with her family's secrets and the weight of cultural expectations.
The story takes a fantastical turn when Lily discovers a magical tiger in the woods near her home. The tiger is a symbol of her grandmother's past and a catalyst for Lily's journey of self-discovery. Through her interactions with the tiger, Lily learns to confront her fears, embrace her Korean heritage, and find her own voice.
"When You Trap a Tiger" is a poignant and lyrical novel that explores themes of family, identity, and the power of storytelling. Keller's writing is evocative and immersive, bringing Lily's world to life with vivid imagery and sensory detail.
The novel has received widespread critical acclaim, winning numerous awards including the 2021 Newbery Medal. It has been praised for its honest portrayal of the immigrant experience, its exploration of Korean mythology, and its heartwarming and ultimately hopeful message.
If you are looking for a beautifully written and thought-provoking novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading, "When You Trap a Tiger" is an excellent choice.
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