Why do you think Kate DiCamillochose this setting? · 2019. 1. 6. · lucky? What kinds of things do you consider lucky when you find them? Consider and determine the time and place

When Rob first came across the tiger in the cage, he considered it luck. Why would finding a tiger be lucky? What kinds of things do you consider lucky when you find them?

Consider and determine the time and place in which the novel is set. Why do you think Kate DiCamillo chose this setting?

At the end of the third chapter, Rob says, “He kept the suitcase closed” (p. 10). What does he mean by this statement? What does it tell you about Rob?

Why do all the kids bully Rob? Why does the new girl, Sistine, not like him either? What would you do if you were in Rob’s situation?

The Tiger Rising: Chapters 1 - 4




Sistine is saved from the bullies when Rob gets their attention and makes them chase after him. Afterwards, she scolds him for running away from the bullies. Why is running away from bullies never a good idea? What are some better ways to handle them?

In what way are Rob and Sistine outsiders? What are some impressions Sistine has about her new surroundings? Do you think she should have tried harder to fit in, or do you admire her individuality? Does Rob try to fit in? Support your answer.

What do you think about Rob’s dad? Is he a good father? Support your opinion with specific examples from the text.

Instead of carving the tiger, Rob decides to carve Sistine. Why is this significant?





Willie May’s theory about Rob’s legs is that all his sadness collected in them because he won’t let it rise to his heart. Everyone at school thinks he’s contagious. What do you think the real problem with his legs is? Does it have anything to do with his mother? Why or why not?

Why do you think Rob told Sistine about the tiger? Should he have kept the secret to himself? Why or why not? Whom do you trust with your secrets? Why is it important to keep secrets?

What is it about Sistine that makes Rob open up and deal with some of his emotions? Give some examples of what Sistine does to get a response from Rob (even if Rob responds only internally).

How does Sistine react when she sees Rob’s carvings for the first time? How is this response similar or different from the way you may have responded if you saw his sculptures?





Why did Rob avoid telling Sistine that his mother died? What was Sistine’s response when Rob refused to talk to her about his mom? Do you think Sistine’s response was appropriate? Why or why not?

What does Sistine think they must do with the tiger? Do you agree with her suggestion? Support your ideas. How does Rob respond? What would you have suggested?

When Sistine asks about his mother, Rob tells her he’s not supposed to talk about her because he and his dad purposely moved to Lister so they could get on with their lives and stop talking about her. Should events in the past be forgotten? Why or why not? What do you think would happen if someone only remembered the good memories and forgot the bad ones?

Why do you think Sistine ignores her mom and only listens to her dad? In your opinion, why did Sistine yell, “‘You’re the liar!’” at her mom when she came to pick her up?





What is the importance of Willie May’s story about the parakeet her father gave her?

Describe Mr. Beauchamp. What is your reaction to this character? Why do you think you responded in this way? Why does the story need this character?

Why do you think Rob told Sistine that he had the key to the tiger’s cage when Beauchamp explicitly told him, “…you keep your mouth shut.”?

Why do you think Sistine is crying at the end of chapter 20? Why does Rob respond the way he does? What does Rob’s response tell you about him?





When Willie May meets Sistine, she tells her, “ain’t nobody going to come and rescue you. You got to rescue yourself.” What did Willie May mean? How do her words relate to Sistine’spersonal life? How do they relate to the tiger?

Why do you think Rob’s father stared at the gun and cracked his knuckles after finding the meat? What does this tell you about Rob’s father?

When Rob put the wooden carving into Willie May's hand, what was her response? Why does she say she doesn’t have to dream of Cricket anymore?

When Rob and Sistine told Willie May about the tiger, how did she react? Why do you think she reacted the way she did?





How is letting the tiger free different than Willie May letting Cricket free? Do some (or any) animals belong in cages? Why or why not?

What is the significance of the title, The Tiger Rising? When do we first see a reference to the title? Who says it? What do you think it means?

How was Sistine’sinteraction with Beauchamp different than what Rob expected? How did Rob expect Sistine to interact with Beauchamp?

How has Sistine changed as a character? How was she in the beginning of the story? How was she in the middle? How is she at the end of the story?





Was it necessary for Rob’s father to shoot the tiger? Why or why not?

What is one of the themes of The Tiger Rising?

Determine a theme by naming a topic and writing “The author believes that…” about the topic.

On the way back to the motel after the funeral, Rob felt lighter, as if he had put something heavy down and walked away from it. Why was he feeling lighter?

How has Rob changed as a character? How was he in the beginning of the story? How was he in the middle? How is he at the end of the story?





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Why do you think Kate DiCamillochose this setting? · 2019. 1. 6. · lucky? What kinds of things do you consider lucky when you find them? Consider and determine the time and place