Tigers, Not Daughters
By Michael Berry,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Grieving sisters find strength in enchanting, ghostly drama.

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What you will—and won't—find in this book.
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What's the Story?
As TIGERS, NOT DAUGHTERS opens, the three surviving Torres sisters are still mourning the accidental death of Ana, their oldest sibling. Jessica works at a pharmacy to help put food on the table. Iridiana tries to lose herself in reading and writing. Rosa communes with nature, including an escaped hyena. Each sister is being haunted by Ana, who seems to want them to do something about their precarious living situation. Can the Torres girls come together to put the past away and find better lives for themselves?
Is It Any Good?
Stories of families in crisis are tremendously popular, and this ghostly tale of four sisters brims with atmosphere and enchantment. Tigers, Not Daughters takes inspiration from King Lear, Anne Rice, and Little Women. Set in San Antonio, Texas, the plot is a rich mixture of magical realism and domestic drama. Each Torres sister is a force to be reckoned with, and author Samantha Mabry gives them plenty of opportunities to display their multidimensionality. As the tension builds to a haunted, explosive conclusion, readers will find themselves rooting for the girls and wishing for their healing. Tough, earthy, and humorous, Tigers, Not Daughters will please a wide readership.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Tigers, Not Daughters addresses the subject of the supernatural. Do you think ghosts can communicate with those they have left behind?
How do people deal with grief? Is there a "right" way to do it? What kinds of help are available to people who have lost loved ones?
What defines an abusive relationship? What kinds of support do victims need?
Book Details
- Author: Samantha Mabry
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Brothers and Sisters, Great Girl Role Models
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
- Publication date: March 24, 2020
- Number of pages: 288
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (abridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: May 7, 2020
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