Riding the Tiger

By Eve Bunting and David Frampton

Book Overview

Esteemed author Eve Bunting brings all her insight, empathy, and storytelling skill to this powerful allegorical tale, set in the streets of an unnamed city and illustrated with striking woodcuts. Danny, new to town, is proud when a glittery-eyed tiger invites him for a ride. He climbs up onto the tiger's massive back, and together they cruise the neighborhood. Everyone gives them respect--shopkeepers and passersby, even other kids. Danny feels powerful and much older than ten. Soon, though, he realizes it isn't respect people feel for him and the tiger--it's fear. And when he decides to get down off the tiger's back, he discovers it's a lot harder than climbing on. Whether the tiger is interpreted to represent gangs, drugs, or something else altogether, this poetically told, dramatically illustrated book is sure to provoke discussions about temp-tation, peer pressure, and conformity.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395797314
• ISBN13: 9780395797310
• Release Date: March 2001
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 9.3" x 11.0"
• Age Range: 10 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 5 to 7

Customer Reviews

Riding the Tiger is the best

A boy and a tiger become friends but the tiger was not respectful to people.I recommend this book for older kids because it helps kids to understand the word respect. this book color has nice color illustrations. I think people will love this book.

Something like a parable...

This unique picture book tackles one of society's most menacing things: the gang. A young boy is approached by a tiger (the gang), and is asked to hop on (join the gang). Once he's riding, the boy is excited and can't believe the tiger has such an interest in HIM, a 10 year old. Then he learns the darker side of being on the tiger, and wants to get off. The tiger does not make it easy, but in the end, the tiger loses a potential member. The bold, striking woodcuts accentuate the text, and deftly portray the scenes the text describes. This book opens up many avenues for discussion with parents, teachers, and (older) children, especially children who are not exposed to gangs on a regular basis.

A Book For All Ages

Yet another wonderful book by an award winning author. In "Riding the Tiger", author Eve Bunting challenges the social consciousness of both children and adults. This intriging story provides the opportunity for thinking about choices. A book to not only read with children, but an opportunity to talk and share the morals and values of life.