Tae Keller brings us a multigenerational, cultural gem in her middle grade novel: When You Trap a Tiger. It is the 2021 Newberry Award winner. This novel illustrates the beauty of storytelling as you are never quite sure if you are in reality or fantasy or both throughout the book. Full of Korean cultural references and folklore, the author also adds her own spin on fairytales she grew up hearing from her own Halmoni (grandmother). In addition, this book addresses the grieving process in both death, abandonment, moving, and sickness.

This book articulates the importance of the past, present, and future in the composition of one’s story. It emphasizes the importance of family and friends in supporting each other through challenges. While it is sad, it is also hopeful, creative, and beautiful.

Books similar to this one would include: The Care and Feeding of a Black Hole by Michelle Cuevas, Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson,and The Line Tender by Kate Allen.

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  2 religious exclamations.

Violence/Gore:  Report of parental death; references to seat belt injuring skin; several references to tigers eating people, teeth cutting bone, etc.; report of death via car accident; verbal expressions regarding death, wishing someone would die, basically killing someone with words, etc.; reference to someone having a murder vibe; reference to a conversation physically hurting someone; minor throws objects against a wall that shatter; medical emergency – no blood; death of a main character.

Sex/Nudity:  Female minor kisses another female minor on the head – implied relationship.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death, parental abandonment, implied teenage homosexual relationship.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Adult pours wine into bowls; reference to herbal medicinal remedies – not marijuana.