This is the first book I have read by Kate DiCamillo. Took to reading this one for my Nephew as it's an ongoing novel read at his school. Though the book is well written with each character played out well, I just feel that the book fell a bit heavy on emotion in the end for a children's book. I just feel that from a child point of veiw it's a bit hard to digest all that lose and grief. On a lighter note the book also talks of a very loving bond between a father and son after the death of the boys (Rob's) mother, of a budding friendship and trust between to twelve year old children and the love to set an animal who is caged up. The Tiger Rising is the story of twelve-year-old Rob Horton who is stunned to encounter a tiger—a real-life, very large tiger—pacing back and forth in a cage. What's more, on the same extraordinary day, he meets Sistine Bailey, a girl who shows her feelings as readily as Rob hides his. As they learn to trust each other, and ultimately, to be friends, Rob and Sistine prove that some things—like memories, and heartaches, and tigers—can't be locked up forever. All in all a good story.👍🏻

Finished this book in about an hour. I have loved every one of DiCamillo's books that I've read so far and this one wasn't a dissapointment. They're such sweet books that make you think so hard. It bugged me how Rob just wouldn't think about things, he had them locked away in his thought suitcase. I mean, to not think about, or cry about, your mom dying since the day of her funeral really can't be healthy. I love how him and Sistine finally let their buried thoughts out at the end thanks to each other and Willie May. This is one of the few children's books that succeeded at bringing tears to my eyes. Kate DiCamillo's books are always so well written.

I picked this up just because at a secondhand store because I recognized the author's name from children's books I used to read. I'm incredibly glad I picked it up for it did not disappoint. I really liked everything in packed into this short, little book. I loved the story and the way it unfolded. I loved the characters and their unique personalities and experiences. I loved how it all came together in a way that made sense but also made the reader think and desire to face the things each one of us has in a suitcase. I tried to read it completely outside, but the mosquitos combated me so I finished up the remaining part of it inside. It was amazing to read while listening to the sounds of nature surrounding me though, that's for sure.

I read this as a sort of fill-in book (waiting for a book I ordered) and I thought it was ok, but quite bland and a little unimpressive with the symbolism I was expecting, but of course I have to keep in mind this is a children's s book. Overall, not one of the best children's books I've read, but would recommend younger kids read it just to try it.

A quick little read and an hour well diverted. This was well written with some interestingly drawn out characters in a familiar setting (to me at least). It was a bit too much like Bridge to Terabithia for my taste, though this had a more concrete story line without being quite as maudlin and was missing some the fantastical elements.

This is a story about Rob, his friend Sistine, and the golden tiger they find in the woods. From the gloomy atmosphere to the lyrical musings, the rich imagery to the heartbreaking confessions, The Tiger Rising is not only a beautiful story, it is a haunting one--one that deserves to be read. Kate DiCamillo is one of my favorite authors and this short novel was everything I was hoping it would be. DiCamillo doesn't shy away from adding real emotions into her stories, especially emotions that are difficult for children to understand--grief, anger, bullying, and so on. She lets them know that what they're feeling is real and valid, but more importantly, what they're feeling is only temporary and, like the tiger in the cage, can be freed, but only when you're ready. Everything in this novel is symbolic, and not a single word is wasted. An absolute must-read.