Student Activities for When You Trap a Tiger
Essential Questions for When You Trap a Tiger
- How does Lily change throughout the novel?
- What is the significance of the tiger?
- What is Lily’s relationship like with Halmoni?
When You Trap a Tiger Summary
Lily, her older sister Sam, and their mother have moved from sunny California to rainy Washington state. Their father died in a car accident, and now their beloved halmoni (Korean for grandmother) is ill. On the drive to Washington, Lily is shocked when she sees a tiger in the middle of the road, and confused when she realizes that her mother and sister did not see it. When Lily tells Halmoni about the tiger, Halmoni says that the tigers are looking for her, and warns Lily to stay away from them. Her grandmother says that she stole something from the tiger long ago and now the tiger wants it back.
One night, after Lily sees her halmoni getting sick, Halmoni tells her about what she stole from the tigers when she was a little girl: the stars that are filled with stories. She scooped up the stars in jars and closed them tight so that she’d never have to hear bad stories again. Halmoni tells Lily that, even though she trapped the tigers in a cave long ago, they must’ve broken free and are hunting her, wanting back what she stole. Wanting to protect her grandmother and family, Lily goes to the library to research tigers. At the library she sees a tiger running gracefully through the shelves and disappears. She also meets Jensen, a friendly girl about her sister’s age, and Ricky, a boy her age. She is happy to have met some new friends, as Sam seems to want to do nothing but look at her phone and be miserable.
That night, Lily wakes to find the tiger downstairs waiting for her. The tiger, who is a female, wants to make a deal with Lily: return the stories, and your halmoni will get well. Lily remembers that Ricky’s great grandfather was a tiger hunter, and decides that has no choice but to trap the tiger to save her halmoni. Lily and Ricky work together for hours, and along the way Lily finds several “star jars” wrapped in bubble wrap. She immediately remembers Halmoni’s story, and keeps the jars a secret.
The next night, Lily is pleased and surprised to see that her trap has worked! Equipped with the stolen “star jars”, Lily confronts the tiger, demanding that she heal her halmoni. The tiger, who isn’t really trapped but just appeasing Lily, responds with a chuckle and reiterates her deal: return the stolen stories, and your halmoni will be healed. Tired of being quiet and seemingly invisible, Lily decides to accept the tiger’s offer and opens one of the jars. As the stolen story becomes free, Lily becomes engrossed in its words, and is caught off guard at how much it has impacted her. These stories, she realizes, are filled with meaning and history. Lily and the tiger agree to meet again, so that more stories can be returned.
Lily learns that Halmoni has brain cancer and is not getting better. She is running out of time, and so is Lily. Halmoni tells Lily that she does not need saving, she is not scared, and that it is all going to be okay. Lily feels desperate, alone, and sad. She feels out of control because she cannot save Halmoni, and she wonders if everything she’s seen and done was all just a crazy dream. When Halmoni collapses and mother takes her to the hospital, Sam and Lily don’t know what to do. They want to be there, but Sam is too nervous to drive in the rain and pulls over near the library. Lily remembers seeing and talking to the tiger in the library, and breaks in, asking for the tiger’s help. The tiger leads the girls to the hospital safely, much to Sam’s disbelief, and the family is all together for Halmoni’s last breath.
When You Trap a Tiger will win the hearts of teachers and students of all ages. It beautifully blends the magic of stories and the cultural beliefs of Lily’s Korean heritage, with the modern day challenges that Lily and her sister face as biracial girls in the Western part of the United States.
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How Tos about When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
How can I use storytelling circles to explore cultural heritage in the classroom?
Invite students to share personal or family stories in a group circle, connecting their experiences to the themes in When You Trap a Tiger. This builds trust and highlights the diverse backgrounds of your class, making literature relevant and meaningful.
Set up a comfortable and welcoming space for sharing.
Arrange chairs in a circle and create a warm atmosphere—consider using a rug, soft lighting, or allowing students to bring a meaningful object. This helps students feel safe and valued when participating.
Model storytelling by sharing a short story from your own life.
Show students how to begin by telling a brief, honest story about your culture, traditions, or a lesson learned. This demonstrates vulnerability and encourages students to open up.
Encourage students to connect their stories to the book’s themes.
Ask guiding questions such as, “How does your story relate to Lily’s journey?” or “What role do stories play in your family?” This helps deepen understanding and foster empathy.
Celebrate and reflect on the stories shared.
After everyone has participated, lead a discussion about what students learned and how stories shape identity. Consider displaying student reflections or creating a classroom storybook as a keepsake.
Frequently Asked Questions about When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
What is the main theme of When You Trap a Tiger?
When You Trap a Tiger explores themes of family, Korean folklore, grief, and the power of stories. It highlights the importance of cultural heritage, love, and personal growth as Lily learns to cope with change and loss.
How can I use When You Trap a Tiger in my classroom?
Teachers can use When You Trap a Tiger for literature circles, character analysis, exploring multicultural themes, and creative writing prompts. The novel’s rich storytelling and emotional depth offer opportunities for discussion and cross-curricular connections.
What activities help students engage with When You Trap a Tiger?
Effective activities include story mapping, character trait charts, exploring Korean folklore, journaling about family traditions, and empathy-building exercises. These help students connect personally and culturally with the text.
Why is the tiger significant in When You Trap a Tiger?
The tiger symbolizes Korean folklore, mystery, and the power of stories. It represents Lily’s journey toward understanding her heritage and the emotional healing of her family.
What grade levels is When You Trap a Tiger appropriate for?
When You Trap a Tiger is best suited for upper elementary and middle school students (grades 4–8). Its themes and language are accessible to a wide range of K–12 learners.
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