Book 44 "The Tiger Rising"

The Tiger Rising

By

Kate DiCamillo

The Tiger Rising is the tale of 12-year-old Rob Horton who finds a caged tiger in the woods behind the Kentucky Star Motel where he lives with his dad. The tiger is so incongruous in this setting that Rob views the apparition as some sort of magic trick. Indeed, the tiger triggers all sorts of magic in Rob's life--for one thing, it takes his mind off his recently deceased mother and the itchy red blisters on his legs that the wise motel housekeeper, Willie May, says is a manifestation of the sadness that Rob keeps "down low." Something else for Rob to think about is Sistine (as in the chapel), a new city girl with fierce black eyes who challenges him to be honest with her and himself. Spurred by the tiger, events collide to break Rob out of his silent introspection, to form a new friendship with Sistine, to develop a new understanding of his father, and most important, to lighten his heart. (Summary from Scholastic)

My Take

This was an itty, bitty book that punched a powerful punch. What I mean by 'itty bitty' is that you could sit down and finish this book in an hour. However, within the pages is a powerful message with deep symbolism. This book was a National Book Award Finalist and it's easy to see why. I picked the book up at a used book fair and was familiar with DiCamillo from other books. I would suggest this book to anyone ages 15-100!! It's a fantastic quick read!