Tiger Daughter
on Goodreads (1,609)
What’s inside...
Wen Zhou is the daughter and only child of Chinese immigrants whose move to the lucky country has proven to be not so lucky. Wen and her friend, Henry Xiao, both children of poor immigrants, dream of escaping their challenging circumstances. They plan to sit an entrance exam for a selective high school far from home. However, when tragedy strikes, Wen must summon all her resilience and resourcefulness to overcome the adversity and help herself and Henry navigate through the aftermath. Tiger Daughter is a poignant novel that delves into the challenges of growing up in an immigrant home, highlighting the power of finding one's voice and the strength needed to face life's hurdles.
Age
10-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Wen Zhou
Wen'S Mother
Henry Xiao
Wen'S Father
Discussion points
How do you think Wen felt when she tried to balance her family expectations with her own dreams?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and support from Wen's relationship with Henry?
In what ways did the characters show courage throughout the story?
Why is it important to stand up for what you believe in, even when it's difficult?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before initiating conversation, ask your child how they felt about the book and what parts stood out to them. This sets a foundation for a deeper discussion.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to put themselves in Wen's shoes and explore her feelings and decisions.
Highlight the cultural elements in the story and discuss how these might be similar or different to your own family’s experiences and values.
Discuss the outcomes of the characters' decisions and actions, guiding your child to consider alternative choices and potential consequences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Tiger Daughter,' characters navigate complex family dynamics and cultural expectations, allowing young readers to explore empathy by understanding diverse perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can use these insights to better understand and connect with classmates and friends from different backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: The protagonist in 'Tiger Daughter' demonstrates resilience when overcoming personal and academic hurdles influenced by cultural expectations.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that perseverance is key to overcoming difficulties, encouraging them to continue trying even when faced with obstacles.
Example Lesson: Importance of Education
Explanation: The story highlights the transformative power of education in shaping the protagonist's future and broadening her opportunities.
Real-World Application: This underscores for children the value of education in achieving personal growth and opening doors to new possibilities.
Example Lesson: Self-identity and Self-expression
Explanation: Throughout 'Tiger Daughter,' the protagonist struggles with her identity and finding her own voice, which leads to personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of self-discovery and expressing themselves authentically in various social situations.
Example Lesson: Support Systems and Seeking Help
Explanation: Characters in the book seek and receive support from friends, teachers, and community members, which plays a pivotal role in overcoming personal challenges.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to seek help when needed and understand the strength in community and mutual support.