When You Trap A Tiger by Tae Heller

 

Lily Bean and her big sister Sam are not happy with their mother at all.  She has picked them up and moved them to another town without asking them.  It's where their grandmother lives and they love her but they miss their school and friends.  

But soon they realize why they have moved.  Their grandmother, their wonderful eccentric grandmother who tells them stories from their Korean culture, is sick.  In fact, she is maybe dying.  How can this be?

Lily is sure there is something she can do.  When she sees a huge tiger, she knows it is the one from all the stories her grandmother tells.  She asks the tiger to help but the tiger could care less.  Finally, the tiger agrees to help if Lily can find all the stories that her grandmother stole from the tigers and return them.  Lily sets out on her mission with the help of friends she has made in the new town but can she be successful?

This book is a Newberry Award winner.  It helps children deal with several childhood issues many will encounter.  The first is dealing with a family change like moving to a new house or town.  It helps them realize that each culture has legends and stories that are unique and that define those belonging to that culture.  Finally, it helps them realize that sometimes, no matter how much you love someone, they cannot stay but must move on to the next step in their journey.  Children often encounter the deaths of grandparents so this issue is quite important.  This book is recommended for young adult readers or parents trying to help children deal with change.