Tiger Eyes

BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION:

Tiger Eyes. Blume, Judy. Laurel Leaf Books, New York. ISBN: 0-440-098469-6

PLOT SUMMARY:

Tiger Eyes is the story of Davey Wexler. Her father has just been murdered in a robbery of the family store. As the family tries to cope with the loss, they go to Los Alamos to visit Davey’s aunt and uncle. At first everything seems fine, but when Davey’s mom begins to finally face the loss of her husband, Davey’s world seems to turn upside down. Her loving aunt and uncle become over protective and try to instill in Davey and her brother a fear of everything. Her mom’s presence is practically non-existent. The only saving grace for Davey is Wolf. They met when Davey decided to go hiking. Davey was instantly drawn to the older Wolf.

CRITICAL EVALUATION:

Tiger Eyes was first published in 1981, and is still relevant to teens today. Although there are some things in the book that are obviously dated like rope belts and cassettes. Blume truly understands teens. Although teens resist parental supervision, it does not mean that they don’t need it. Teens need rules, boundaries and parental guidance to help them to feel secure. While Davey’s aunt and uncle provide many rules, she is missing the parental authority of her mother. Walter and Bitsy are overwhelmingly over-protective. Not only do the live in a town that is like living in a bubble, they continue to force their fear onto Davey. According to them, nothing is safe: skiing, getting a learners permit, biking without a helmet. Of course all of these things do present dangers, but they are part of everyday life. Davey learns that even being safe, people cannot control the things that happen. Davey finally comes to terms with what happened and is ready to begin the journey of healing and moving on.

READER’S ANNOTATION:

Davey’s father is killed in a robbery. Her family goes to stay with her aunt and uncle in New Mexico. Maybe with a fresh start, they can begin to live again.

AUTHOR:

Judy Blume is an icon in young adult literature. Children and teens have grown up reading books like Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and Forever. She has also written three novels for adults, all three are New York Times bestsellers. More than 80 million copies of her books have been sold, and her work has been translated into thirty-one languages.

Blume grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey. She spent her childhood making up stories. She received a B.S. in education from New York University in 1961, which named her a Distinguished Alumna in 1996, the same year the American Library Association honored her with the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement, only one of her many recognitions.

She has also been at the center of the intellectual freedom debate. Her books have long been challenged in libraries and schools. Her website provides information for those looking to advocate for intellectual freedom and how to prepare for book challenges.

Judy and her husband George Cooper live on islands up and down the east coast. They have three grown children and one grandchild. (Blume)

GENRE:

Fiction, Realistic

CURRICULUM TIES:

New York State: English, Health

BOOK TALKING IDEAS:

Loss of a parent
Parent’s rules

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE:

Age 14 and up

CHALLENGE ISSUES:

Racial Issues.

In order to prepare yourself should this book be challenged you may wish to take the following steps:

•Read the book or familiarize yourself with the book and its contents.
•Refer to the library’s collection development policy.
•Read the book reviews from sources such as Booklist, School Library Journal, Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), Publisher’s Weekly, or BookSpot.com
•Seek the opinion of teen readers that have read the book.

Should this book be challenged you should follow the additional steps below:

•Advise the senior staff of the challenge.
•Let the patron know that their challenge will be filed and that senior library management will review their request and notify them once a decision has been made.
•Offer any further assistance should the patron have additional questions.

WHY DID I INCLUDE THIS BOOK?

I remembered enjoying this book as a teen. I couldn’t remember what it was about, so I thought I would read it again.