Tigers, Not Daughters

Samantha Mabry's "Tigers, Not Daughters" is a poignant young adult novel blending magical realism with a deep family drama. It follows three Latine sisters in San Antonio, Jessica, Iridian, and Rosa, who are struggling to cope with the sudden death of their oldest sister, Ana. A year after Ana's fall from her window, the remaining sisters begin to experience eerie, unexplained phenomena in their home, leading them to believe Ana's ghost is trying to communicate with them. The book explores themes of grief, sisterhood, cultural identity, and the desire for independence from a demanding father and societal expectations. It's suitable for ages 12-18, offering a lyrical, atmospheric read that sparks conversations about loss, family dynamics, and finding one's voice.

"Three sisters in San Antonio are shadowed by guilt and grief over the loss of their oldest sister, who still haunts their house"-- The Torres sisters dream of escape-- from their needy and despotic widowed father, and from their San Antonio neighborhood and its traditions and expectations. In the summer after her senior year of high school, Ana, the oldest sister, falls to her death from her bedroom window. A year later her three younger sisters, Jessica, Iridian, and Rosa believe their dream of leaving Southtown is out of reach. When strange things start happening around the house, they wonder if Ana is trying to send them a message-- and what exactly she's trying to say. -- adapted from Amazon info