A Review: The Tiger Rising

Tiger, tiger, burning bright

in the forests of the night,

What immortal hand or eye

Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies

Burnt the fire of thine eyes?

On what wings dare he aspire?

"The Tiger Rising" is another book by Kate DiCamillo, the author of "Because of Winn Dixie".  This is the third of her books that I have read and screened for my granddaughters and found it to be as delightful, though a bit sadder, as the other two.
    Rob Horton has experienced sadness in his life and his father is unable to deal with his own sadness and bad luck experiences, much less those of his son.  In Rob's mind, he has packed away all memories, good and bad, and all sadnesses.  He lives day to day by keeping the suitcase closed and locked up, never releasing anything that will bring him any pain, and ultimately, any joy.
   Rob befriends, though reluctantly, a new student in his school. Sistine has led an equally sad life and together they form a friendship that is full of secrets and unspoken things of what has brought them to this place, both in reality and in each of their lives.
   A quote from the book goes, "I have never in my life seen a prettier color of green.  Ain't it perfect?"  And the answer, from Rob is, "It looks like the original green.  The first one God ever thought up."
The tiger is a metaphor for all the bottled up emotions and memories both Rob and Sistine have pushed to the past.  I think any child from about ages 8-12 years old would enjoy this book.  It has short quick chapters and would be an excellent bedtime book that would promote conversation.