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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
I am not sure I’ve ever read a Korean story before. I am not familiar with Korean folktales so I was super excited to read this Newberry winning book!
When You Trap A Tiger is an inter generational book following two sisters, their mother, and their grandmother or halmoni. The sisters have already lost their father to an auto accident and now their mom is moving them without much warning to a new state to live with Halmoni. They discover that Halmoni is sick. The younger daughter, Lily, starts seeing a Korean tiger spirit who has come to retrieve something Halmoni has stolen.
Throughout the book, Halmoni weaves her spoken tales of Korean spirits that swirl together with what is happening in the women’s lives. Each woman must work through their fear and uncertainty to find their own voice and find themselves and figure out how they all fit together. It is a heartwarming and a heartbreaking story and I absolutely loved it! The lines between fairy tale and reality become so blurred that this book is truly magical. Such a great read—I highly recommend!
When You Trap A Tiger is an inter generational book following two sisters, their mother, and their grandmother or halmoni. The sisters have already lost their father to an auto accident and now their mom is moving them without much warning to a new state to live with Halmoni. They discover that Halmoni is sick. The younger daughter, Lily, starts seeing a Korean tiger spirit who has come to retrieve something Halmoni has stolen.
Throughout the book, Halmoni weaves her spoken tales of Korean spirits that swirl together with what is happening in the women’s lives. Each woman must work through their fear and uncertainty to find their own voice and find themselves and figure out how they all fit together. It is a heartwarming and a heartbreaking story and I absolutely loved it! The lines between fairy tale and reality become so blurred that this book is truly magical. Such a great read—I highly recommend!
I loved this book. There were a few moments when I wasn't sure what to expect or what turn it might take, but that was part of the magic. The characters were relatable and real. I enjoyed the integration of Korean-American culture and the generational relationships.
I loved this book. It was a perfect mix of reality and fantasy/mythology. The start was a little bit slow but once I got into it I couldn't put it down. The characters are likeable, the ending made me cry like a baby and the entire story is simply great. I am not sure why I bought this one a year or so ago but I am so glad that I did and that I read it. It's truly an underrated gem.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Terminal illness, Dementia, Grief
Moderate: Vomit, Death of parent
Minor: Racism
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
This story follows Lily on her journey of trying to save her halmoni. This story talks about death, grief, family relationships, being shy, being an extrovert, and emotions that can come with change. I loved this story and feel like it's one most kids will be able to find a character to relate to and also a character that will act as a window to another perspective. I also really enjoyed reading about how the author's own life inspired parts of this book.
Copyright date: 2020
Award: Asian Pacific American Award
Genre: Fantasy
Copyright date: 2020
Award: Asian Pacific American Award
Genre: Fantasy
Oh, this book…it’s so warm and magical, and so raw and needed. The heart and culture and importance for stories are all so palpable. It’s really no surprise that this won the Newbery.