Lim, Rebecca. Tiger Daughter. Delacorte, 2023. 978-0-593-64898-8. 181 p. $17.99. Grades 5-8.

As the daughter of two Chinese immigrants, Wen doesn’t always feel like she fits in at her Australian public school. At home, Wen is expected to obey her father, Jin, at all times. He also expects Wen’s mother to be a polished, quiet stay-at-home wife. At school, Wen makes friends with Henry, also a son of Chinese immigrants, and together they begin to prepare for a special examination—a passing score would ensure entrance into the prestigious school across town. The stakes are incredibly high for both young people. Before the examination, a horrible tragedy strikes Henry’s family, and afterward, Wen must help Henry find his inner strength to survive. Wen’s father, Jin, does not want to help and forbids Wen from assisting Henry or his father. Wen and her mother both have to find the courage to help Henry’s family and rise above the expectations placed upon them, even if that means disobeying and enraging Jin.

THOUGHTS: Tiger Daughter is a strong story of resilience, family, grief, and coming-of-age as a young female immigrant. Wen and Henry’s family dynamics are each written with realism and nuance. Domestic abuse, spousal control, sexism, toxic masculinity, prejudice, and mental health issues all are explored truthfully through the book’s characters. Rebeccca Lim writes with a clear understanding of clashing cultural spheres having lived her own immigrant experience as well. The book has a hopeful and satisfying ending for middle school readers without being saccharine. At under 200 pages, this quickly-read piece of realistic fiction packs a powerful punch. Tiger Daughter will be a great companion text to titles written by Kelly Yang and Rex Ogle, and it is recommended as an excellent addition to any middle school library. 

Realistic Fiction