Tiger-Trapping in the Elementary Classroom: A Review of When You Trap a Tiger

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62704/wfjqfq98

Keywords:

Tae Keller, identity, culture, loss, grief

Abstract

When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller is a compelling middle grades novel that explores identity, culture, and loss through Lily’s journey of family, grief, and self-discovery. Blending magical realism with emotional depth, the story encourages readers to find their voice while highlighting the importance of acceptance, cultural understanding, and connection.

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Author Biography

  • Hailey Aranda-Mayorga, Wichita State University

    Hailey Aranda-Mayorga is a student at Wichita State University, studying education and sociology while striving to become an elementary school teacher. Nearing her graduation, she is placed in a fifth-grade classroom for her student teaching semester. Her love for education comes from her desire to empower students and help them recognize that they are capable of great things. She hopes to teach students not only academic skills, but also the confidence and life skills they need to navigate the world around them. She can be reached at hharanda-mayorga@shockers.wichita.edu.

References

Kansas English, vol. 107

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Published

2026-06-30

Issue

Vol. 107 (2026)

Section

Children’s book reviews

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Tiger-Trapping in the Elementary Classroom: A Review of When You Trap a Tiger. (2026). Kansas English, 107. https://doi.org/10.62704/wfjqfq98