Tiger Lily
Dark retelling of Peter Pan tale focuses on Indian girl.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Tiger Lily is a dark and mature retelling of the Peter Pan fairy tale kids may know from the Disney animated movie version or the classic children's play and novel by J.M. Barrie. The major players -- Peter Pan, Tiger Lily, Tinkerbell, the Lost Boys, Captain Hook, Smee, and Wendy are all here, but so are adult themes, violence, murder, and romance with kissing. At the beginning, narrator Tinkerbell explains the novel best: "This is a love story, but not like any you've heard. The boy and girl are far from innocent. Dear lives are lost. And good doesn't always win."
Community Reviews
A captivating story
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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: Jodi Lynn Anderson
- Genre: Fairy Tale
- Topics: Book Characters, Fairy Tales, Pirates, Science and Nature
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: HarperTeen
- Publication date: July 3, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 17
- Number of pages: 304
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
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Charming take on Cinderella tale has strong heroine.
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The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom
Engaging fairy tale spoof is clever and funny.
For kids who love fairy tales and classics
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