The Tiger Rising Themes

After the death of his mother, twelve year old Rob and his father move to Lister, Florida, where Rob’s father works as a maintenance man at the motel where they live. Lonely, sad, and the target of two bullies, Rob packs his feelings away in a metaphorical suitcase and locks them up. Rob’s life begins to change when he finds a large tiger caged up in the woods behind the motel, and meets the new girl, Sistine Bailey. As Rob’s emotional shell begins to crack, he learns the value of friendship and dealing with his feelings, along with the challenge of making a difficult decision.