75 pages • 2 hours read
Tae KellerWhen You Trap a Tiger
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2020A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In When You Trap a Tiger, middle schooler Lily Reeves and her family move in with her ailing Korean grandmother (Halmoni). To save Halmoni, Lily makes a deal with a mystical tiger, learns about her family's past, and deepens her connection to her Korean heritage. The novel beautifully weaves contemporary life with fantasy elements while exploring themes of family, culture, and identity. Health challenges, such as brain cancer, are addressed.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Tae Keller's When You Trap a Tiger beautifully intertwines Korean folklore with a heartfelt family narrative, earning praise for its lyrical prose and emotional depth. Reviewers commend its portrayal of intergenerational relationships and cultural heritage. However, some note a slow start and feel certain cultural elements may need more context for broader understanding. Overall, it's a touching and imaginative read.
Who Should Read When You Trap a Tiger?
Readers who enjoy enchanting tales with emotional depth, such as Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai or Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, will find When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller captivating. Ideal for middle-grade readers interested in Korean folklore, family bonds, and personal growth.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
590L