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Book Review of The Tiger Rising

The Tiger Rising
The Tiger Rising
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Genre: Children's Books
Book Type: Paperback
reviewed on + 1438 more book reviews


Tiger is about a twelve year old boy named Rob who lives with his father in a bleak Florida motel following his mom's death. Sad but talented, he meets a girl names Sistine with an attitude that doesn't stop. Like him, she is unhappy but they become friends. His mother had cancer so he keeps his emotions inside, has a blistering skin condition and suffers school bullying. Sistine seems to be angry just about everything but tries to get him to air his feelings. Surprisingly, Rob finds that it's easier than he thought to talk to her.

He shares his discovery of a tiger that seems to have magically appeared in woods behind the motel. She wants to set it free. Rob is not sure. Read the book to discover what they decide to do and what happens to it.

All in all this is a delightful story with delightful writing that flows like a melody. The characters are well developed, including wise and warmhearted Willie May. It's a blending of friendship, grief, and loss to create a wonderful story. For me, this author time and again touches my heart with upbeat and imaginative tales that spin from her mind.