Key information 

Author: Tae Keller

Illustrator:

Release date: 3rd January 2023

Book type: 320 pages, paperback

Star rating: ★★★★

Reader level: Growing reader (8+)

Age: Year 4+

Overview

Lily is a shy girl who is constantly overshadowed by her moody teenage sister, Sam. When their mum decides to uproot the family to Washington, the girls' lives are flipped on their head and they must do what they can to make the most of their situation. Visiting their Korean grandmother Halmoni used to be a dream, listening to her share Korean folktales about tigers and princesses, however things are not as they remember them. Halmoni is very sick, and mum is doing what she can to keep the family together. 

Shortly after they arrive in Washington, Lily sees an enormous, magical tiger in the middle of the road - but no-one else did. Alarmed by this discovery, Lily seeks answers from her halmoni who retells the tale of tigers who once protected the stories in the sky. Lily learns that her halmoni, upset by the sad and dangerous stories, climbed up the mountains and stole the bad stories from the tigers, fleeing from Korea and across the world. Halmoni now fears that the tigers are seeking revenge and will not stop until the stories are returned. 

Fearing for the safety of her halmoni, Lily begins her mission to lure and trap the tiger while keeping the bad stories tucked safely away. She seeks the help of a local boy, Ricky, who believes he has what it takes to become a tiger hunter. As they work together, Lily uncovers more about Halmoni's past and the community she now lives in, leading her to reconsider who she wants to be. 

Meanwhile, Lily and Sam continue to drift apart and tensions rise in the house as Halmoni's illness worsens. Sam starts sneaking out of the house while Lily is left to save the family on her own. Before long, Lily is at breaking point and she hurts the people who are closest to her, leaving the stories at risk and her halmoni's life in jeopardy.

Eventually, Lily is able to trap the tiger and begins to hear the truth behind the tiger's visits to Washington. Lily makes a bargain with the tiger - Halmoni's health in return for the stolen stories. Torn between her heart and her head, Lily agrees to release the stories and listens to the danger stored within each one. As she hears these new stories, Lily begins to understand the harsh realities of life and notices a tiger-like strength in herself that may just be enough to save her family. 

Additional teaching opportunities 

Vocabulary

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