Common Sense Media Review
By Julie A. Carlson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dark retelling of Peter Pan tale focuses on Indian girl.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
TIGER LILY centers on the Indian girl from Peter Pan, a teen member of the Sky Eaters tribe on the wild and mythical island of Neverland. She lives with her father, Tik Tok, the village shaman, who also happens to be a cross-dresser. The story is told from the point-of-view of Tinkerbell, a fairy who stays by Tiger Lily's side through thick and thin. The Sky Eaters have always heard rumors about the mysterious Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, who inhabit the island but are never seen ... until one day, when Tiger Lily comes face to face with them. They all become fast friends, and Tiger Lily and Peter Pan fall in love. But their romance remains secret, because Tiger Lily fears what the villagers will think of her, especially when she is promised in marriage to another. Danger lurks in the form of the evil Captain Hook, his trusty mate Smee, as well as an Englander who has escaped their wrath and tries to impose his religious beliefs on the Sky Eaters.
Is It Any Good?
Tiger Lily is an interesting and different spin on a well-known story. It's adventurous and suspenseful, and the first half of the book moves very quickly. But after that it slows down and becomes somewhat boring and depressing. Still, many of the core ideas from Peter Pan remain -- the desire to never grow up, the hope for a better life, the power of love, friendship and family, and the message that everyone should be treated equally and with respect.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the differences between Tiger Lily, the classic versions of Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie, and the Disney cartoon version.
Why do spme kids not want to grow up, and why do some adults fear aging?
A lot happens between Tiger Lily and Peter Pan, particularly jealousy. What do you think of their relationship? Do they both make the right choice in the end?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fairy Tale
- Topics : Book Characters , Fantasy ( Fairy Tales ) , Pirates , STEM
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperTeen
- Publication date : July 3, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 304
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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