“When You Trap a Tiger” is a captivating middle-grade novel that blends magical realism with family dynamics. Readers are introduced to 12-year-old Lily, a biracial girl who moves with her family to care for her ailing Korean grandmother (Halmoni). When a magical tiger from her grandmother’s folktales appears, offering to restore Halmoni’s health in exchange for stories that were once stolen from the tigers, Lily must navigate a complex bargain that reveals family secrets. Through beautiful prose and the seamless integration of Korean folklore, Keller crafts a poignant narrative about finding one’s voice and courage while facing difficult realities.
“When You Trap a Tiger” is a great choice for addressing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) as it sensitively explores illness, grief, and emotional health through the lens of intergenerational relationships. The book exemplifies being Open-minded, as students witness Lily’s growing appreciation of her Korean heritage and understanding of different perspectives, and Reflective, as characters confront difficult truths about mortality. Teachers can use this text to facilitate discussions about cultural identity, the importance of family stories in understanding ourselves, and how we process grief. Consider pairing readings with journal reflections where students explore their own family stories or create projects connecting personal heritage to emotional well-being.
