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The Tiger Rising

3.84
on Goodreads (31,418)

What’s inside...

The story of 12-year-old Rob Horton who finds a caged tiger in the woods behind the Kentucky Star Motel where he lives with his father. With the help of his new friend Sistine, Rob must decide what to do with his discovery and how to come to terms with his past. A National Book Award winner.
In series
Age
9-11
Length
128 pages
Text complexity

Discussion points

What do you think the tiger symbolizes in the story?
How do the characters Rob and Sistine deal with their feelings, and what can we learn from them?
Why is the setting of a Florida motel significant to the story’s development?
How do the friendships in the book change the characters, especially Rob?
What does the story tell us about facing and overcoming challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open body language and maintain eye contact to show active listening as your child expresses their thoughts.
Validate their feelings and perspectives about the story to encourage deeper analysis and connection.
Relate questions to your child's own experiences to make the discussion more personal and impactful.
Guide the conversation gently without leading it, allowing your child to explore and express their thoughts independently.
Ask follow-up questions that prompt your child to think critically about the themes and characters.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Handling grief and loss
Explanation: In 'The Tiger Rising', the protagonist, Rob, deals with the grief of losing his mother. Through his interactions with a caged tiger, metaphors for his emotions are explored.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify and express their feelings of loss and sadness, understanding that these emotions are a natural part of life and discussing them can aid in healing.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Rob’s friendship with Sistine shows how true friends can help carry emotional burdens. Their shared experiences and the mutual support they offer each other depict the positive impacts of a supportive friendship.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by nurturing their friendships and being supportive of their friends, learning the importance of empathy and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: Stand up against injustice
Explanation: The narrative encourages standing up for what is right, exemplified by the characters' decision to release the caged tiger. It highlights the effects of taking action against wrongs.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to recognize injustices around them and understand their role in advocating for fairness, whether in their immediate environment or the broader community.
Example Lesson: Processing and expressing emotions
Explanation: The characters in 'The Tiger Rising' often suppress their emotions, leading to various personal challenges. As the story progresses, they learn the importance of expressing feelings.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not bottling up their emotions. They can seek healthy outlets for their feelings, such as talking to someone they trust or engaging in creative activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Despite the setbacks and emotional challenges Rob faces, he learns to persevere and adapt. His journey demonstrates the resilience one can muster in difficult times.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain resilient and persistent when facing their own challenges, promoting a mindset of growth and persistence despite difficulties.