Tears of a Tiger
| Industry | Book publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Books |
Tears of a Tiger is a young adult novel authored by Sharon Draper, initially released by Atheneum in 1994 and subsequently published by Simon Pulse in 1996. This work serves as the opening installment of the Hazelwood High Trilogy. The plot centers on Andrew "Andy" Jackson, a seventeen-year-old African American teenager wrestling with intense remorse following the fatal drunk driving accident that claimed his best friend Robert "Rob" Washington's life. The story unfolds through a blend of formats such as diary entries, first-person narratives, and newspaper clippings.
Plot summary
Following a victorious basketball match at Hazelwood High, Andy travels home with friends Robbie Washington, Tyrone Mills, and B.J. Carson in his Chevrolet Chevette, during which they consume alcohol while Andy is behind the wheel. The journey ends tragically when Andy crashes the vehicle, resulting in Robbie’s death. Although Andy survives, he loses both his driver's license and car.
As he copes with his grief, Andy assumes the role of team captain and begins therapy sessions with Dr. Carrothers, yet he hides his true emotions. His mental state deteriorates, negatively impacting his academic performance and overall well-being. Keisha, his girlfriend, observes his downward spiral but keeps it to herself until she can no longer manage the situation and decides to end their relationship.
Ultimately, overwhelmed by despair, Andy takes his own life at home. His passing elicits a spectrum of responses from family members, peers, and classmates—ranging from sorrow to anger and contemplation. At the gravesite, Andy’s younger brother Monty mourns deeply for both the loss and the unspoken lessons left behind.
Development
Draper crafted the novel’s unique style and structure to facilitate language learning by incorporating diverse writing forms as educational tools. These include journals, personal reflections, letters, memos, news reports, teacher dialogues, and school announcements, all aimed at enhancing instruction in writing techniques, figurative language, symbolism, and literary style.
References