by Michelle Kadarusman
Pajama Press Inc.
2020
192 pages
ISBN: 9781772780543
Governor General's Award Finalist
Kirkus Starred Review
Music For Tigers is a life-changing book bound to stick with you long after you finish it. Kadarusman takes readers on a journey to the other side of the world into the thick growth of the Tarkine forest of gum trees, lush vines, giant spiders, weird creatures and the elusive (and thought to be extinct) Tasmanian tiger. This unique setting introduces stunning wildlife: bandicoots, devils and the special tiger will capture the interest of even the most reluctant reader.
Louisa is sent to stay with her strange and silent Uncle Ruff, an uncle she doesn't know and barely understands. Ruff is ROUGH--a man of few words and not one to coddle a child. Besides playing her beloved violin, Louisa begins exploring her surroundings deep in her family's wilderness sanctuary and reading her grandmother's notebooks. She meets Colin who is on the spectrum and they become fast friends. Learning about the land and its "extinct" tigers fills Louisa with hope and love. When she realizes there is one tiger in danger because its home will soon be destroyed, Louisa (with Colin and Uncle Ruff) has to locate, capture and relocate the cat. Using her music, Louisa draws the beautiful cat to her.
This coming of age story with the elements of conservation, an appreciation and acceptance of the neurodiverse, a celebration of aboriginal peoples, the importance of saving the planet, practicing love and hope will pull on your heartstrings. Pages that follow the story give us hope as a planet--the Tasmanian tiger might still exist!
Highly, highly recommended for ages 8 and up! An excellent whole class read which could be taught across several subject areas: geography, history, science, reading, ecology, and perfect for discussions about empathy. A MUST READ and a MUST HAVE for every library and every middle grade reader.
I'd never heard of this book, so thanks for introducing me to it!
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
It is a wonderful book with a theme of ecology and set in a country most kids won't know much about. Beautifully written. It was on the Cybils Awards shortlist.
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