Lim, Rebecca. Tiger Daughter. Delacorte, 08/2023. 192pp. Fiction. Trade $17.99. 978-0-5936-4897-1. GRADES 5–6. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Eighth graders Wen Zhao and Henry Xiao are friends at school, both children of first-generation immigrants from China living in Australia. Both feel tremendous pressure to do well academically and they make a plan to take an entrance exam for a prestigious school. Wen’s father is very strict and controlling and won’t let Wen or her mother have contact with anyone in the community, but Henry’s friendship is very important to her. When Henry’s mother tragically dies by suicide, Wen must find the courage to stand up to her father in order to help Henry. Lim gives an authentic portrayal of this immigrant community’s struggles and encourages empathy and hope within the community.
Hua Zhang—San Jose State University student