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4.22 AVERAGE
4.22 AVERAGE
YES!
If you start this book and think, "Oh, whatever" and are about to set it aside, STOP YOURSELF!
This book contains magic, and oh, yes--the Newbery committee got it so right this year.
I love this book.
If you start this book and think, "Oh, whatever" and are about to set it aside, STOP YOURSELF!
This book contains magic, and oh, yes--the Newbery committee got it so right this year.
I love this book.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
How dare this book make me cry.
The only reason why I'm not giving it a full five stars is because of how long it took me to get into the book, but also I'm still crying (like the ugly hiccuping kind) so I have to give it more credit than I was originally planning.
The only reason why I'm not giving it a full five stars is because of how long it took me to get into the book, but also I'm still crying (like the ugly hiccuping kind) so I have to give it more credit than I was originally planning.
Growing up, Lily’s Halmoni (Korean for grandmother) always told her magical folktales about tigers and their connection to the sun, moon, and stars. Now, the summer before her 7th grade year, Lily’s mother moves her and her sister, Sam, back in with Halmoni. As soon as they return, Lily begins seeing a tiger, one just like her Halmoni always told her about in her stories. The tiger wants something, but what? And why is Lily the only one who seems to see it? Soon Lily finds out that her Halmoni is sick, and it’s the kind of sick you don’t recover from. What’s more, Halmoni tells Lily a story about a time she stole stars from a tiger. Could it be the same tiger Lily sees now? In an attempt to help, she begins coming up with ways to trap the tiger, hoping that if she can return what Halmoni stole, her health will improve.
What a gorgeous story! Tae Keller weaves together part of her own halmoni’s stories, along with Korean history, to tell a gorgeous tale of her own. There is so much beauty and magic amidst Lily’s denial and fear. I loved watching Lily gain the courage she needed during such a tough time.
What a gorgeous story! Tae Keller weaves together part of her own halmoni’s stories, along with Korean history, to tell a gorgeous tale of her own. There is so much beauty and magic amidst Lily’s denial and fear. I loved watching Lily gain the courage she needed during such a tough time.
Totally deserving of the Newbery. This book has so much heart that you will definitely need some tissues.
In a modern-day story built around Korean folklore, Lily and her sister Sam have been relocated (against their will) to a small, rainy Oregon town to live with their Halmoni (grandmother). It soon becomes clear that Halmoni is not well, and Lily, who has always held on tight to the magic of Halmoni's stories, makes a bargain with a mythical tiger to heal her. Is the tiger real or a figment of Lily's imagination?
Meanwhile, Lily's relationship with Sam, once close, is fraught with rollercoaster ups and downs. She can't count on her for help, so she turns to Ricky, a new friend she meets at the library across the street. He agrees to help her trap the tiger, though to him, it's all just an elaborate imaginary game.
Lily, Sam, their mom, and even Halmoni will all discover truths about themselves on this magical, mythical journey.
In a modern-day story built around Korean folklore, Lily and her sister Sam have been relocated (against their will) to a small, rainy Oregon town to live with their Halmoni (grandmother). It soon becomes clear that Halmoni is not well, and Lily, who has always held on tight to the magic of Halmoni's stories, makes a bargain with a mythical tiger to heal her. Is the tiger real or a figment of Lily's imagination?
Meanwhile, Lily's relationship with Sam, once close, is fraught with rollercoaster ups and downs. She can't count on her for help, so she turns to Ricky, a new friend she meets at the library across the street. He agrees to help her trap the tiger, though to him, it's all just an elaborate imaginary game.
Lily, Sam, their mom, and even Halmoni will all discover truths about themselves on this magical, mythical journey.
yum rice cakes
3/5 stars
i really don’t read middle grade books now and reading this reminded me why
the magical realism was a little convoluted and i just cannot take this girl who’s going into 7th grade seriously
the grief aspect was handled well
and i liked the little friendships and the grandmother/granddaughter relationship
just not a lot that truly magnetized me to the book
3/5 stars
i really don’t read middle grade books now and reading this reminded me why
the magical realism was a little convoluted and i just cannot take this girl who’s going into 7th grade seriously
the grief aspect was handled well
and i liked the little friendships and the grandmother/granddaughter relationship
just not a lot that truly magnetized me to the book
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I know this is intended for younger audiences but wow is this a spectacular book. It’s so intricately and beautifully written that people of all ages can enjoy it. The family dynamic written is amazing. I loved seeing Sam and Lily become close again and Ricky and Lily’s friendship was so cute.
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! (Disclaimer: I should warn you that I am automatically prone to appreciate most K-culture so this review might be a bit bias.)
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced