Set in the tidal mangrove forests of the Sunderbans of India and Bangladesh, this quiet, suspenseful story tells of young Neel and his efforts to track down a female tiger cub that has escaped from a local animal reserve and save it from greedy poachers. Neel is a good student and could qualify for a scholarship for a private boarding school in Kolkata. This would ensure him and his family a much better quality of life. But he loves his home, is reluctant to leave his familiar world, and therefore, only studies half-heartedly. Neel and his sister hatch out a courageous plan and succeed in rescuing the tiger. And Neel changes his mind about education. Global warming, gender discrimination, endangered animals, environmental protection, and class structure are some of the important issues in this fast-paced story, which is enhanced by dramatic black-and-white pastel illustrations. An Author’s Note, Information on Organizations Working with Bengal Tigers and Organizations Working to Improve Life in the Sunderbans, and a Glossary are provided. mjw |
Title: Tiger Boy
Author: Mitali Perkins
Illustrator: Jamie Hogan
Publisher: Charlesbridge. Watertown, MA
Copyright: 2015
Original Language: English
ISBN: 978-1-58089-660-3
Hardcover pages: 144
Age range: 7-10
Genre: Fiction
Book setting: Sunderbans, West Bengal, India
Author’s ethnicity: Born in Kolkata, India
Author’s residence: U.S. Has lived in Bangladesh, Cameroon, Ghana, India, Mexico, Thailand, Great Britain
Illustrator’s residence: U.S.
Subjects: Animal rescue, Community, Conflict, Economics, Nature, Teachers, Tigers |