39 pages • 1 hour read
Tears of a Tiger
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Book Brief
192
Novel • Fiction
Midwest, USA • 1990s
1994
YA
12-18 years
700L
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
17,515 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
17,515 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Andrew “Andy” Jackson
Andrew “Andy” Jackson
Andy is the main character, grappling with guilt and depression following a tragic accident, while struggling to find stability and understanding in his life.
Tyrone Mills
Tyrone Mills
Tyrone is one of Andy's close friends, initially portrayed as supportive but later evolves into a more reflective role after Andy's suicide.
Monty Jackson
Monty Jackson
Monty is Andy's younger brother, characterized by his innocence and creativity, who tries to support and comfort Andy in difficult times.
192
Novel • Fiction
Midwest, USA • 1990s
1994
YA
12-18 years
700L
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