Download book When You Trap a Tiger pdf

Download When You Trap a Tiger book PDF Free by Tae Keller

Dive into a world where Korean folklore and modern life magically intertwine in Tae Keller's Newbery Medal-winning masterpiece, 'When You Trap a Tiger'. This captivating novel explores the powerful bonds of family, the strength found in storytelling, and the journey of a young girl finding her voice. It is a story that seamlessly blends the contemporary world with fantastical elements, creating an immersive experience that will stay with you long after the final page. Through the eyes of its young protagonist, the book delves into profound themes of grief, identity, and the courage it takes to face one's fears.

About the Author Tae Keller

Tae Keller, born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, grew up surrounded by her grandmother's tales of tigers. An accomplished author of children's books, she made history as the youngest winner of the Newbery Medal for 'When You Trap a Tiger'. Writing is a family tradition, as her mother, Nora Okja Keller, is also an award-winning author. Keller often writes stories about biracial kids on a journey to find their own voices and navigate their identities.

When You Trap a Tiger Summary PDF

The story centers on a young girl named Lily, who often feels invisible and has been nicknamed a "QAG" (Quiet Asian Girl) by her older sister, Sam. Lily's life takes a sudden turn when she, Sam, and their mother move to rainy Washington to care for their ailing grandmother, Halmoni. Shortly after arriving, Lily has an unbelievable encounter: she sees a magical tiger, an animal straight out of the Korean folktales her Halmoni has told her for years. This isn't just any tiger; it has a proposition for Lily. The tiger reveals that long ago, Halmoni stole powerful stories and bottled them in star jars.

The magical tiger offers Lily a deal: if she releases the stories for the tiger to consume, it will restore her grandmother's health. Tempted by the chance to save her beloved Halmoni, Lily agrees, but soon learns that bargains with tigers are never as simple as they seem. This pact sends Lily on a profound journey of discovery, forcing her to confront long-held family secrets and the complexities of her own identity. With the help of her sister and a new friend, Ricky, Lily must find the courage not just to trap a tiger, but to unleash the power of her own voice and rewrite her family's narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions About When You Trap a Tiger

1. What is the main theme of 'When You Trap a Tiger'?

   The central themes of the book are the power of storytelling, the importance of family, and the journey of finding one's voice and identity. It also explores complex emotions related to grief and loss, as the family grapples with the grandmother's illness and the memory of their deceased father.

2. What age group is 'When You Trap a Tiger' for?

   The book is recommended for middle-grade readers, typically between the ages of 8 and 12. While it deals with mature themes like illness and death, it does so in a sensitive and hopeful way that is accessible to this age range.

3. What awards has 'When You Trap a Tiger' won?

   'When You Trap a Tiger' is a highly acclaimed novel. It won the 2021 Newbery Medal, one of the most prestigious awards in children's literature, and also received the 2021 Asian/Pacific American Award for Children's Literature.

4. Is the tiger in the book real?

   The novel is a work of magical realism, where magical elements are presented in a realistic setting. The reader is left to question whether the tiger is a real, magical creature or a manifestation of Lily's imagination and her way of processing her grandmother's illness. This ambiguity is a key part of the story's charm and depth.

5. How does Korean folklore influence the story?

   Korean folklore is at the heart of the novel. The magical tiger is a figure directly from the stories Lily's grandmother tells. The book beautifully weaves these traditional tales into the main plot, using them to explore themes of heritage, family history, and the way stories shape our understanding of the world.