Posts Tagged ‘Death’

Bethany gradually realizes how bizarre her childhood has been after her parents drop her off with an unknown aunt. She eventually finds the reasons behind her incredible beginning.

Watch Out For: Bethany discovers that she is a clone of her parents’ first child, who died young. The personal implications of identity and self-determination are major themes, but the greater ethical issues of cloning are not discussed. Bethany was one of four clones, she was the only who survived. Other topics include trust and communication.

It is rare for a children’s book to be as poetic and deep as The Tiger Rising. The story of Rob Horton’s adjustment to a new life in a new town after his mother’s death. The discovery of a tiger, caged in the woods, changes his outlook, and changes his life.

Watch Out For: Rob deals with many issues in this short book. Bullies, illness, fear and amazement are all discussed. Another character has to confront reality of her father leaving the family. But the largest issue by far is Rob’s emotion and grief, which he has driven down until he can no longer cry. His father also refuses to speak of his mother, and only the death of the tiger can force all their pain and fear into the open.