When You Trap a Tiger

When Lily and her family suddenly leave home to move in with Halmoni, she and her sister struggle with the change.  It's harder for Sam who is a sticky person.  People remember her; it's easy for her to make friends.  Sam always calls Lily a QAG, Quiet Asian Girl; it's hard for her to make friends, and easy for her to become invisible. 

Both girls grew up with Halmoni's Korean stories of tigers and gods, but Sam has stopped believing. Lily is shocked when she sees a large tiger on the road as they are traveling on a rainy night.  No one else notices the animal, and she wonders if maybe it is the tiger from Halmoni's stories.

Once they arrive, it's clear Halmoni's health is worse than she thought.  Halmoni can't die.  After listening to the stories her whole life, Lily knows there has to be something she can do.  In the stories, the gods can grant favors.  Lily decides to set a trap.

The tiger tells Lily that long ago, Halmoni stole something from the tigers, and now they want it back.  The tiger offers a deal:  return what Halmoni stole, and the tiger will heal her.  Should Lily trust the tiger?  In the stories, tigers are tricky, but Lily doesn't see any other choice.

Tae Keller's new novel is a beautiful, heartbreaking, and hopeful exploration of the relationships between mothers and daughters, particularly in families of immigrants.  I absolutely loved this book!  It is just beautifully written and full of wisdom for anyone dealing with grief.  Highly recommended.  Plus, I am obsessed with that cover!