The Tiger Rising

Twelve-year-old Rob Horton lives in a Florida motel with his father, mourning his mother’s death while repressing his grief through a skin rash on his legs. He keeps his emotions locked in a mental suitcase until he discovers a real Siberian tiger caged in the nearby woods. When he meets Sistine Bailey, a headstrong new student, they form an unlikely alliance. Together, they decide whether to keep the magnificent animal imprisoned or release it, forcing Rob to confront his buried memories and the reality of his loss.

This book serves young readers and educators looking for a story about emotional containment and the process of healing from grief. Readers learn that suppressing pain often leads to physical and social isolation. They walk away with a clearer understanding of how friendship and honesty act as catalysts for vulnerability. The narrative provides a framework for children to discuss the connection between physical symptoms and hidden trauma, ultimately showing that true freedom requires facing difficult truths instead of hiding them away.

Inward-looking, contemplative and thought-provoking; an easy read.

Best for readers like The Empathetic Explorer. Which reader are you?