When You Trap a Tiger - Tae Keller

When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller

Bibliography: 

Keller, T. (2023). When you trap a tiger. Yearling, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books. 

Plot Summary: 

When Lily, her sister Sam, and their mother move in with her sick grandmother, Lily traps a tiger and makes a deal with him to heal Halmoni.

Critical Analysis:

The importance of oral history and sharing our stories is carried throughout this magical narrative. I am extremely grateful that this captivating and beautiful plot was created and can be shared to help cope with tragedy, glorify traditional folklore while expertly critiquing it as well, and pay tribute to the strength of our female ancestors. I love when I discover a new (or relatively new) release and that will become a timeless classic and standard on any childhood bookshelf. So just go ahead and buy a copy now and make a permanent spot for it. Absolute pure magic that will endure!

Review Excerpt: 

Kirkus (starred review)

Roars to life with just a touch of magic.

Booklist (starred review)

A heartfelt reminder of the wonder and beauty in our everyday lives.

School Library Journal (starred review) 

Deeply moving... vulnerable and mythic storytelling in the vein of Erin Entrada Kelly and Kacen Callender.

Connections:

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - May

Tigers in Korean Folklore - https://gogohanguk.com/en/blog/the-tigers-in-korean-folktales

Interview with Tae Keller - https://www.sarabethwest.com/post/an-interview-with-tae-keller-author-of-when-you-trap-a-tiger