This is a multicultural, folktale, fantasy story about 2 teenage sisters and the ways in which they deal with the passing of their father and the impending death of their maternal grandmother. While this could be a morbid and depressing story it is not. It is an exploration of Korean folklore and culture blended with modern life in the ironically named town of Sunbeam.

Winner of numerous awards including the Newberry Medal it is a story of friendship, bravery and a mythical but possibly real tiger. It is easy to read with a fast paced yet easy to follow storyline and just enough mystery to make the ending expected but also a little bit of a twist and a nod to inclusion in all of its forms. If you are looking to experience the essence of this story read chapter 27 which epitomizes the combination of current story and historic Korean folktale as it uses mythology to explain current happenings in the story.

I would recommend this story to children in Grades 5 to 8 looking for an easy read with a bit of mysticism, magic and good family values. We have made 3 activities that could accompany the reading of this book and allow readers to explore a few of the concepts in greater detail.