About This Book
The Tiger Rising is a poignant story about 12-year-old Rob Horton, who has recently moved to rural Florida with his father after his mother's death from cancer. Rob keeps his grief locked away, manifesting as a mysterious rash on his legs. His life changes when he discovers a tiger in a cage in the woods and befriends Sistine, an emotionally open girl. Their shared secret about the tiger, and Sistine's insistence on freeing it, forces Rob to confront his suppressed feelings and the unresolved sorrow he shares with his father. This book gently explores themes of grief, friendship, bullying, and the importance of emotional honesty, culminating in a powerful moment of catharsis and hope.
Concepts
Sadness & GriefLoneliness & BelongingFear & BraverySelf-Confidence & IdentityResilience & PerseveranceLove & FamilyFriendship & LoyaltyAnger & FrustrationEmpathy & KindnessHonesty & IntegrityForgiveness & RedemptionCuriosity & WonderDeath of a Loved OneBullyingMaking FriendsGrowing UpBeing DifferentFriendship & SocialAnimalsSchool Life
Character Death
Violence
bullying
peril_danger
illness
separation_from_parent
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Rob's rash connect to his feelings? Have you ever felt your emotions in your body?
2
Why do you think Rob's father didn't want him to say his mother's name? How did that make Rob feel?
3
Sistine is very different from Rob. How does her personality help Rob open up?
4
What does the tiger symbolize for Rob and Sistine? What does it mean when they let it go?
5
How do Rob and his father finally begin to heal after the tiger's death?
6
What does this story teach us about grief and how people cope with loss?
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