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39 pages 1 hour read

Tears of a Tiger

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1994

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Book Brief

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Sharon M. Draper

Tears of a Tiger

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1994
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Midwest, USA • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

1994

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

700L

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Super Short Summary

Written by Sharon M. Draper, Tears of a Tiger is a novel that uses diverse writing styles to tell the story of a teenage boy, Andy, who grapples with grief, guilt, and suicidal thoughts after causing the death of his friend Robbie in a car accident. The story explores the impact of mental health on high school students, drunk driving, and the complexities of mourning. The novel includes themes of teenage mental health, grief, and racism.

Melancholic

Emotional

Challenging

Dark

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.4

17,515 ratings

78%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Sharon M. Draper's Tears of a Tiger provides a raw and emotional exploration of grief and guilt among teenagers after a tragic accident. Reviewers praise its realistic portrayal and impactful message but note that the heavy themes may be overwhelming for younger readers. Overall, it's a powerful read that stimulates important conversations about mental health.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Tears of a Tiger?

Fans of The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton or Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson will appreciate Tears of a Tiger by Sharon M. Draper. This novel appeals to young adults dealing with grief, trauma, and emotional growth. Its engaging, realistic portrayal of teen challenges resonates with readers seeking relatable, heartfelt stories.

4.4

17,515 ratings

78%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Midwest, USA • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

1994

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

Lexile Level

700L

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