Common Sense Media Review
By Jasmine Baten
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tweens, tiger in thrilling but violent alt-history tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In TYGER, Adam and his family live in London in a world where slavery was never abolished. Though he and his family are free immigrants, they are threatened and controlled by the British Empire, which is always trying to conquer more people and land. Adam does deliveries for his family's shop, which is how he stumbles across the Tyger, an ancient and mysterious creature who is trying to escape an evil creature and find her way home. The problem is that she's hurt, and the only way she can get back is through people who have the magical powers to help her. Adam befriends Zadie, a quick-witted and brave girl whose family used to be enslaved. The two try to help the Tyger, who teaches them about strengths they never knew they had. Their hearts and minds are put to the test as danger draws closer to the Tyger, their families, and their people.
Is It Any Good?
A thrilling and empowering story that invites readers to look within themselves for their own bright sparks, this illustrated, alternate history novel is a stunner. Tyger is a fantastical tale that weaves some of the hardest realities with hope and magic. S.F. Said's writing explores real histories of the British Empire, racism that immigrants face, the institution of slavery, and discussions of class while emphasizing the importance of culture, identity, and belief that the world can be a different and better place. The mix of history, fantasy, and hopeful, fierce characters makes reading this story both a joy and a guide to getting through challenging times. Said's rich writing is also accompanied by beautiful grayscale illustrations by Dave McKean that bring Adam and Zadie's world to life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how immigrants are portrayed in Tyger. What are the contributions of immigrants in the book? How are they treated by citizens? Why does this happen in the book? What are some parallels to the real world when it comes to immigration and immigrant communities?
Why do you think the author includes gruesome descriptions about the state of the enslaved people Adam sees? Why intentionally show a young boy hanged in a book for tweens? How did that scene affect you?
What are the differences in how Adam's parents and Zadie's parents think about their cultures? How does your family talk about your ethnic or racial heritage? Is it different from how other families you know talk about their culture?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Dave McKean
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Empathy , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : David Fickling Books
- Publication date : October 1, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 303
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : July 13, 2026
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