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Tyger
In a strange alternate world, where the British Empire has never ended, a young boy called Adam has uncovered something incredible in a rubbish dump in London – a mysterious, mythical, magical animal. A Tyger
304 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2022
80 people are currently reading
5486 people want to read
About the author
S.F. Said
10 books203 followersSaid grew up in the Iraqi diasporic community in London, moving there with his mother at the age of two. After graduating from the University of Cambridge, he worked as a press attaché and speech writer for the Crown Prince of Jordan’s office in London. He began a Ph.D. in 1997 looking at the lives of young Muslims in Britain, but left academia to focus on film journalism for the Daily Telegraph – where he brought attention to much 'world cinema', including contemporary Islamic cinema – and writing for children
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
November 18, 2023
Tak powinno się wydawać książki dla dzieci! Piękne ilustracje, które same stanowiły fabułę
September 11, 2022
Absolutely spectacular. Destined to become a classic children's novel, Tyger is a dark, magical, important and thrilling adventure that will captivate readers and change minds. It's fantastic. And the illustrations are glorious.
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November 29, 2025we stan a giant immortal tiger who ends racism! paws up blake fans!! tyger tyger buring bright, bitch!!
October 4, 2022
If you've spent any time on edutwitter or children's booktok lately, you might know that SF Said's Tyger has been one of the most hotly anticipated titles due this Autumn. It's a fine thing when a children's book generates a huge buzz in the months building up to publication, and this one certainly did - after all, with a well-loved author, an early drop of signed proofs, a beautiful cover by Dave McKean and just enough intrigue in the blurb to make you sit up and wonder, how could it not? Even better is when a book like this manages to really live up to the excitement generated. Did this one deliver? We are pleased to say it did.
This is an atmospheric story set in an alternative near-future London. The city is a dangerous place for many, dominated by strict social rules, a system of racial superiority and un-abolished slavery that developed from colonialism. In this London, Adam and Zadie are both children who have been made to feel like outsiders. The story centres on their discovery of a mythical creature – a Tyger who is hiding after being hunted and wounded. Adam helps the injured Tyger and new friendship blossoms. Soon, the Tyger teaches Adam a renewed philosophical outlook on life and helps him to tap into his hidden gifts. The children set about to protect and save the Tyger, and as fear and oppression rage in the city of London, the children's courage to save the Tyger makes wider ripples than they could ever imagine.
There's something timelessly alluring about tigers in children's books, especially those that have time to sit down and talk with you. This Tyger has a mystical quality that will no doubt entice and intrigue young readers anew. Adult readers familiar with the work of William Blake won't fail to notice the allusions to Blakean mythology that filter through text, illustrations and that striking cover. The Tyger in SF Said's book offers Adam and Zadie something of the mystical and spiritual encounter that Blake hoped to offer his readers; a temporary liberation from the 'mind-forged manacles' of the material world and a hope-filled reminder of the power of human spirit.
SF Said's fanbase will be thrilled to read this new adventure - laced with danger, edged with fantasy and packed to the core with thinking and discussion points that link to very real issues in society. Despite the serious themes explored, Said writes with optimism and hope, showing how joy and light can always be found in the darkest of times. This story will no doubt find a home in the hearts of Upper KS2 readers who love mythology, quest stories and an encouter with something deeper.
Many thanks to the publisher for our early proof copy. The book is featured as one of our October Books of the Month: https://www.booksfortopics.com/octobe....
This is an atmospheric story set in an alternative near-future London. The city is a dangerous place for many, dominated by strict social rules, a system of racial superiority and un-abolished slavery that developed from colonialism. In this London, Adam and Zadie are both children who have been made to feel like outsiders. The story centres on their discovery of a mythical creature – a Tyger who is hiding after being hunted and wounded. Adam helps the injured Tyger and new friendship blossoms. Soon, the Tyger teaches Adam a renewed philosophical outlook on life and helps him to tap into his hidden gifts. The children set about to protect and save the Tyger, and as fear and oppression rage in the city of London, the children's courage to save the Tyger makes wider ripples than they could ever imagine.
There's something timelessly alluring about tigers in children's books, especially those that have time to sit down and talk with you. This Tyger has a mystical quality that will no doubt entice and intrigue young readers anew. Adult readers familiar with the work of William Blake won't fail to notice the allusions to Blakean mythology that filter through text, illustrations and that striking cover. The Tyger in SF Said's book offers Adam and Zadie something of the mystical and spiritual encounter that Blake hoped to offer his readers; a temporary liberation from the 'mind-forged manacles' of the material world and a hope-filled reminder of the power of human spirit.
SF Said's fanbase will be thrilled to read this new adventure - laced with danger, edged with fantasy and packed to the core with thinking and discussion points that link to very real issues in society. Despite the serious themes explored, Said writes with optimism and hope, showing how joy and light can always be found in the darkest of times. This story will no doubt find a home in the hearts of Upper KS2 readers who love mythology, quest stories and an encouter with something deeper.
Many thanks to the publisher for our early proof copy. The book is featured as one of our October Books of the Month: https://www.booksfortopics.com/octobe....
September 9, 2023
A brilliant and powerful story set in an alternate London where the British Empire never ended and slavery was never abolished. A young boy named Adam is nearly robbed, after being picked out as a foreigner in this alternate London, but is saved by a creature of legend, a Tyger. In this universe, Tigers were hunted to extinction years ago and quickly became creatures of myth. The Tyger informs Adam that he must help her to escape from her captors by finding the mysterious Guardians, and Adam sets out on a quest to find them.
This story is a lot darker than I had expected going in, with very, very heavy themes of racism and prejudice throughout and even scenes of executions where it goes into quite a lot of detail. However, Tyger also has some very heartwarming moments too, Adam feels like a real boy with his own fears and worries and also feels very hopeful, in this world where everyone is terrible to anyone from another land, he still dreams of becoming an artist and selling his work, even though his parents have forbidden him from drawing.
There was also a very interesting magic system that didn't seem to be toned down for kids to read and understand, which i appreciated a lot (with an awesome fight sequence toward the end of the novel).
I very much enjoyed Tyger, Adam and Tyger have a great bond throughout the story and it has a very satisfying pay off at the end of the novel. There also seemed to be a message throughout that our enemies are not our neighbours, but the people pulling the strings, and I thought that was quite poignant with what is going on in the real world today as well.
On a side note, the illustrations for this book are absolutely gorgeous and Dave Mckean should be applauded for them.
I would definitely recommend Tyger to more advanced readers, pre/early teens due to very heavy themes and moments of racism, prejudice, slavery and acts of violence.
This story is a lot darker than I had expected going in, with very, very heavy themes of racism and prejudice throughout and even scenes of executions where it goes into quite a lot of detail. However, Tyger also has some very heartwarming moments too, Adam feels like a real boy with his own fears and worries and also feels very hopeful, in this world where everyone is terrible to anyone from another land, he still dreams of becoming an artist and selling his work, even though his parents have forbidden him from drawing.
There was also a very interesting magic system that didn't seem to be toned down for kids to read and understand, which i appreciated a lot (with an awesome fight sequence toward the end of the novel).
I very much enjoyed Tyger, Adam and Tyger have a great bond throughout the story and it has a very satisfying pay off at the end of the novel. There also seemed to be a message throughout that our enemies are not our neighbours, but the people pulling the strings, and I thought that was quite poignant with what is going on in the real world today as well.
On a side note, the illustrations for this book are absolutely gorgeous and Dave Mckean should be applauded for them.
I would definitely recommend Tyger to more advanced readers, pre/early teens due to very heavy themes and moments of racism, prejudice, slavery and acts of violence.
November 7, 2025
This is such a powerful story with such an overwhelming emotional ending that it made me cry! Books don't do that to me very often so when one does that it's special indeed. Plus the theme in here is such an important subject too. It's about freedom and about believing in your dreams. Yes, you can be what you want to be but you have to believe in yourself! And the plotline is this huge "defeat evil" type of story where two kids have to face this huge enemy to save this beautiful tiger. But as in most of these situations, the kids have nothing while the enemy is wealthy and has all of these troops. The odds seem impossible! So how do you turn that around??
This was such a pleasure to read. The story moves fast and yet there is incredible details that brings this dark version of London to life. And many of the characters stood out to me in here too, even if they had very short roles. Like the two men who take care of the sheep outside of town, including Lamb. But this London is absolutely horrible with gates and guards checking your papers. More and more land gets stolen from the people and locked up behind fences. I could practically feel the despair and the danger.
The magic in here was enchanting! And it brings hope.
Hope definitely shines in this book.
And the art in here is absolutely incredible! This is some of the best drawings I have seen. And there are so many of them too.
I am really glad I read this.
This was such a pleasure to read. The story moves fast and yet there is incredible details that brings this dark version of London to life. And many of the characters stood out to me in here too, even if they had very short roles. Like the two men who take care of the sheep outside of town, including Lamb. But this London is absolutely horrible with gates and guards checking your papers. More and more land gets stolen from the people and locked up behind fences. I could practically feel the despair and the danger.
The magic in here was enchanting! And it brings hope.
Hope definitely shines in this book.
And the art in here is absolutely incredible! This is some of the best drawings I have seen. And there are so many of them too.
I am really glad I read this.
November 12, 2022
I LOVED the Varjak Paw books. Especially the spiritual aspect, which is featured in this book as well (three doors to enter etc), which again I loved.
But I was very disturbed at the depiction of British Empire as inherently evil that keeps slaves and hates foreigners, since nothing could be fruther from the truth in the present day UK. I'm not sure when the story is supposed to take place, I understood in the present as an alternative reality.
As a foreigner and immigrant myself, I encountered nothing but welcoming and pleasant behaviour from the UK citizens. UK is one of the loveliest countries in Europe and I'm very grateful to live here.
No minorities and foreigners are oppressed in 21.st century Britain, or the western world for that matter. I don't know why we insist on living in the past and bringing up the past constantly. Don't we realize that British Empire was the first to abolish slavery, even before the USA? Don't we realize that there are more slaves nowadays in African and Asian continent than ever before in history? Why don't we talk about that? Why are we not honest about history and the present?
As a person who grew up in communist regime, it's sad for me to see so much propaganda in books, especially for children. It can only cause hatred of young people to their own country, and cause more division among us. That's why I gave this book only two stars.
But I was very disturbed at the depiction of British Empire as inherently evil that keeps slaves and hates foreigners, since nothing could be fruther from the truth in the present day UK. I'm not sure when the story is supposed to take place, I understood in the present as an alternative reality.
As a foreigner and immigrant myself, I encountered nothing but welcoming and pleasant behaviour from the UK citizens. UK is one of the loveliest countries in Europe and I'm very grateful to live here.
No minorities and foreigners are oppressed in 21.st century Britain, or the western world for that matter. I don't know why we insist on living in the past and bringing up the past constantly. Don't we realize that British Empire was the first to abolish slavery, even before the USA? Don't we realize that there are more slaves nowadays in African and Asian continent than ever before in history? Why don't we talk about that? Why are we not honest about history and the present?
As a person who grew up in communist regime, it's sad for me to see so much propaganda in books, especially for children. It can only cause hatred of young people to their own country, and cause more division among us. That's why I gave this book only two stars.
October 14, 2024
I definitely loved this book! I hate the fact that I was once a teenager and this book did not exist at the time; adolescent me would've gone crazy over such a novel. All the characters are heartwarming, loveable and simply fantastic.
Deducted one star because, and I know it's a YA novel, I really wished a better explanation regarding the story was available. I am still unsure as to what exactly led to the sequence of events that transpired in this book and also what the ending meant.
Deducted one star because, and I know it's a YA novel, I really wished a better explanation regarding the story was available. I am still unsure as to what exactly led to the sequence of events that transpired in this book and also what the ending meant.
August 22, 2025
This book is truly a phenomenal!!
From the moment I started to read the first chapter I knew I was going to love it!!
The story itself turned out nothing I expected it to be, but way better!
The illustrations in the book are beautifully done.
And the ending is perfect!
This book is definitely one of my new favorites!!
From the moment I started to read the first chapter I knew I was going to love it!!
The story itself turned out nothing I expected it to be, but way better!
The illustrations in the book are beautifully done.
And the ending is perfect!
This book is definitely one of my new favorites!!
September 3, 2025
This book was truly phenomenal!!!!! From the story itself to the artwork! This book was soooo good! If you like animals, magic, and just a cool book? I highly recommend!
October 23, 2022
A beautiful story full of hope and promise of better days and better ways. SF Said’s writing is timeless and I’m sure this will become as loved as Varjak Paw in the fullness of time.
Adam discovers an injured Tyger in a rubbish dump while escaping from someone who would harm him. He has no idea how special and life-changing the Tyger will be to him and his friend Zadie as they embark on an adventure through the streets of London to save the tyger’s life and their own.
Adam discovers an injured Tyger in a rubbish dump while escaping from someone who would harm him. He has no idea how special and life-changing the Tyger will be to him and his friend Zadie as they embark on an adventure through the streets of London to save the tyger’s life and their own.
May 25, 2023
The illustrations are wonderful! Adam and Zadie. Loved their characters and friendship. However, there was something missing with this book. The baddie was a bit... vague. And the descriptions of an alternative London and the reasons why it was like it was, didn't develop until past halfway through. I understand what the author was aiming for, but it fell flat, for me. Its as if the author had more to say, but an editor took it out? I struggled to finish it.
September 18, 2023
This was beautiful, more artwork than prose and etched with Dave McKean’s drawings like pieces of dreams. Dealing with some sharp and always contemporary political and social issues, it pits two children and the tyger against the gloriously-named Maldehyde, and against the ever-present greed and cruelty that leave stains down the years. With sights of a London both lost and completely familiar, this is a tale of gold light and magic, and one to bring hope to us all.
March 10, 2024
WOW! Sometimes a book leaves you speechless, leaves you with hope, many insights and teaches you to be open to the world and to all people in the world.
This book will stay with me ✨🐅
This book will stay with me ✨🐅
September 17, 2023
Dark but mesmerising tale of magic, cruelty, hope and, of course, a tyger. Beautiful illustrations.
July 27, 2025
it was cute, very lion witch in the wardrobe vibes.
September 1, 2023
I love Tigers. I love Blake. I love art. This book combines all three with important messages about spirituality, self belief and overcoming barriers (both oppressively inflicted and self inflicted through doubt). I felt that the narrative was a little too perfect and rosy towards the end; but frankly I can stomach that because I was emotionally committed by that point. If only our own world could be so cultured and warmly connected to community as it grows to be in this book.
September 7, 2025
Taking place where it appears to be set during the British Empire, we follow the story of a British boy named Adam who works as a delivery boy for his working family while enduring prejudice for their Muslim heritage and skin color. When Adam is suddenly confronted by a knifed man, he is unexpectedly rescued by a giant mythical tiger who is also wounded. As he keeps their encounter a secret from his family, Adam discovers that the tiger was held captive by a rich and ruthless Englishman who has an admired zoo full of exotic animals and is now trying to find her. With the help of his friend Zadie and her father, they will work together to save the tiger while finding many magical surprises and face potential danger.
“Tyger” is probably one of my favorite children’s novels this year as it’s just so magically unique and realistic, yet more suitable for middle grade. It has a dark but spiritual fantasy feel, very similar to Pullman’s “His Dark Materials”, while combining a few elements from “1001 Arabian Nights”. McKean’s beautifully eerie art perfectly matches the story’s theme. Adam’s story gets very tense and even dangerous as soon as he meets Tyger, yet there’s full of surprises, determination and strength. There’s also heavy topics in Adam’s story that involves race, family, and slavery that play large parts.
It’s an emotional powerful fantasy that can get very dark but slowly brings a light of hope and change. A (100%/Outstanding)
“Tyger” is probably one of my favorite children’s novels this year as it’s just so magically unique and realistic, yet more suitable for middle grade. It has a dark but spiritual fantasy feel, very similar to Pullman’s “His Dark Materials”, while combining a few elements from “1001 Arabian Nights”. McKean’s beautifully eerie art perfectly matches the story’s theme. Adam’s story gets very tense and even dangerous as soon as he meets Tyger, yet there’s full of surprises, determination and strength. There’s also heavy topics in Adam’s story that involves race, family, and slavery that play large parts.
It’s an emotional powerful fantasy that can get very dark but slowly brings a light of hope and change. A (100%/Outstanding)
December 22, 2022
Another solid effort from a children's author who deserves greater acclaim.
Tyger is a dystopian adventure featuring an alternate history that begs the question: what would have happened had slavery not been abolished in Great Britain? The answer Said presents is shockingly relevant to today's political climate: where the upper classes play on xenophobia to keep the lower-classes in their place while snatching up all profit and property.
The story focuses on Adam Alhambra, a young lad who is the delivery boy of his family though really he dreams of becoming an artist. However his parents fear that this will draw unwanted attention and lead to greater persecution than they already suffer for having darker skin. However, when he stumbles onto the last living Tyger in a derelict building, magic takes hold of Adam's humble life and danger isn't far behind.
Tyger reminds me a lot of Varjak Paw, a previous novel by Said that I adored, mostly for its feline focus and chapter lessons in opening up the mind to achieve remarkable things. However, the rest of this novel seems like a very timely reminder that more unites us than we think and that the real threat comes from pale, well-dressed men who lure the needy into insurmountable debt and in-fighting.
That being said I wasn't convinced by the villain reveal at the end. Without giving too much away, I felt that there should be two baddies in this narrative: one being earthbound to maintain the theme of humanity's capacity for cruelty. Also the epilogue seemed to close the door on a sequel which I think Tyger deserves.
Despite this, I was really drawn to the glorious Tyger, the quick-witted Zadie and the lovably dim farmers. Also Dave McKean's illustration remains as impeccable as ever and really brought the transcendental elements of this novel to life.
Though I did not enjoy it quite as much as Varjak Paw, Tyger is still a brilliant novel from the talented Said and I recommend it to anyone who wants to teach their children about the true legacy of the British Empire.
Tyger is a dystopian adventure featuring an alternate history that begs the question: what would have happened had slavery not been abolished in Great Britain? The answer Said presents is shockingly relevant to today's political climate: where the upper classes play on xenophobia to keep the lower-classes in their place while snatching up all profit and property.
The story focuses on Adam Alhambra, a young lad who is the delivery boy of his family though really he dreams of becoming an artist. However his parents fear that this will draw unwanted attention and lead to greater persecution than they already suffer for having darker skin. However, when he stumbles onto the last living Tyger in a derelict building, magic takes hold of Adam's humble life and danger isn't far behind.
Tyger reminds me a lot of Varjak Paw, a previous novel by Said that I adored, mostly for its feline focus and chapter lessons in opening up the mind to achieve remarkable things. However, the rest of this novel seems like a very timely reminder that more unites us than we think and that the real threat comes from pale, well-dressed men who lure the needy into insurmountable debt and in-fighting.
That being said I wasn't convinced by the villain reveal at the end. Without giving too much away, I felt that there should be two baddies in this narrative: one being earthbound to maintain the theme of humanity's capacity for cruelty. Also the epilogue seemed to close the door on a sequel which I think Tyger deserves.
Despite this, I was really drawn to the glorious Tyger, the quick-witted Zadie and the lovably dim farmers. Also Dave McKean's illustration remains as impeccable as ever and really brought the transcendental elements of this novel to life.
Though I did not enjoy it quite as much as Varjak Paw, Tyger is still a brilliant novel from the talented Said and I recommend it to anyone who wants to teach their children about the true legacy of the British Empire.
July 16, 2023
Read for work. Sad to say I did not enjoy this one! I feel like I must be missing something, looking at other reviews. The language was very bland and dialogue felt over the top and slightly unnatural. I did enjoy the plot and the characters were excellent. Perhaps I am just not the target audience!
September 15, 2023
I've just finished reading Tyger.
Mind is all a blur.
I need to think and reflect on.thw experience but also just respond to my initial thoughts
Wow.
This is a book like few others.
Instantly, I'm reminded.of Skellig of Narnia, of the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony, and the River of London fantasy series of books.
OF Course, I'm reminded of the little I know about William Blake. His mythology shimmers through every.page, every pore of this astonishing book
SF Said has clearly written masterpiece, filled with spirituality and wonder (like Skellig), a glittering creation. Like Skellig, it is written.in quite a simple style but what clarity!
Mind is all a blur.
I need to think and reflect on.thw experience but also just respond to my initial thoughts
Wow.
This is a book like few others.
Instantly, I'm reminded.of Skellig of Narnia, of the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony, and the River of London fantasy series of books.
OF Course, I'm reminded of the little I know about William Blake. His mythology shimmers through every.page, every pore of this astonishing book
SF Said has clearly written masterpiece, filled with spirituality and wonder (like Skellig), a glittering creation. Like Skellig, it is written.in quite a simple style but what clarity!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2023
Such a pretty story 🥰
August 20, 2024
In an alternative world where London is the capital of an empire and slavery hasn’t been abolished, Adam a foreigner boy, is saved from being robbed by a scary being. Tyger is a magical creature who is wounded and needs Adam’s help to find the Guardians who can save her.
March 4, 2024
I am really, really not the target audience for this. An impulse buy at the counter in Waterstones, along with another book, because the cover of this one is just stunning. unfortunately, the sales lady trying to get me to buy it, neglected to mention it was a kids book.
If you have young kids, or enjoy books aimed at that audience (I'd go with maybe 6-10 for this one, definitely not much older), then you might enjoy this. But if you prefer more adult fare, this has cringe-worthy writing and some excessively heavy-handed allegory (perfect for it's target audience, but not so much if you would like more subtlety).
But oh man, that cover! If I wasn't thinking of moving house soon, I would keep the book purely for that, but I'm not sure I really want to lug it halfway across the UK if I didn't actually enjoy the book!
If you have young kids, or enjoy books aimed at that audience (I'd go with maybe 6-10 for this one, definitely not much older), then you might enjoy this. But if you prefer more adult fare, this has cringe-worthy writing and some excessively heavy-handed allegory (perfect for it's target audience, but not so much if you would like more subtlety).
But oh man, that cover! If I wasn't thinking of moving house soon, I would keep the book purely for that, but I'm not sure I really want to lug it halfway across the UK if I didn't actually enjoy the book!
November 9, 2024
Videorecensione sul profilo Instagram della libreria il pensiero meridiano.
September 9, 2023
I'm surprised a book of rehashed, tired tropes and watered-down characters won Book of the Year
June 27, 2025
I don't know that I've ever read a book like this 304 page middle grade fantasy, dystopian, highly illustrated adventure. It delves into philosophy, alternate universes, slavery, racism, politics, magic, identity, friendship, betrayal, human rights, education, following your dreams, saving the world, and a talking immortal tiger. It started a little stilted for me, but as the book progressed, I began to see that a lot of detail about all the above mentioned threads would make for a very adult, very lengthy read, and this is meant for 9-12 year olds, albeit they would need to be able to handle the darkness of the book at times, and caregivers, be aware there is a public hanging of a child. The author is Muslim, and the protagonist and a side character identify as Muslim. There is not much about Islam, or shown in practice, but that they are afraid to learn and practice their faith is mentioned briefly. I think kids will enjoy the read, and not get hung up on threads unexplored as I did. The illustrations really make it a book that feels exciting to spend time with, and one that will linger with the reader. I look forward to sharing it when it releases soon in the US, as it was published in 2022 in the UK.
SYNOPSIS:
In short the book is about a boy, Adam, living "in an alternate London where the British Empire hasn't ended and slavery was never abolished." In a partitioned off Ghetto as a minority from the vague "Middle East," who is unable to go to school, or even draw, he makes deliveries for his family to help keep them afloat. During one such delivery he encounters a tiger, an animal like so many others that is extinct, her name is Tyger, and she speaks. She is an immortal searching for Guardians to help her heal and open a portal to the city. When Adam, who is immediately connected to her, cannot find a Guardian, she begins to train him, time is short and when he discovers his friend Zadie, short for Scheherazade, has some training from her father, the two set out to open the doors of perception, imagination, creation, and revelation, to save the day.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I really like that this book opens up larger discussions about society, self, literature, imagination etc, and can really be adapted to mean different things depending on what the reader brings to it. The book addresses these themes in a way that doesn't talk down to the reader, and in many ways allows the simple bad guy of the story to not be the takeaway point, but rather the journey of understanding perspective, points of view, empathy, creating something, and hope to be far more important.
The identity of the characters being Muslim initially was just a label, one that just made Adam and Zadie more "other," but a few cleverly crafted sentences about hiding their names, their skin color, and whether it worked or not, allow the reader to reflect on if denying yourself to appease others is effective or not, or rather more importantly knowing when and in which situations it could be a benefit or a selling out of who you are. Zadie and her father seem to practice, and one point Solomon ( Suleiman), offers his prayers, he says Assalamualaikum and Bismilliah. Adam and his family on the other hand, have hidden their faith so as to fit in better, and thus it is simply an identity label.
I liked that the illustrations weren't just stunning in their own right, but also highlighted the mood, and metaphysical elements of the story. I feel like I could teach not just a few lessons on this book, but dozens, and who knows if they would be correct, but I think this book would be fantastic as a read aloud in a classroom for the story at hand and for the discussions. The darkness, the excitement, the hope, really gripped me, and while I could opine on plot holes and lack of articulation, in some key scenes, I appreciate that over explanation would take away from all that the book gets right.
FLAGS:
Racism, oppression, colonialism, slavery, hanging, power imbalance, betrayal, lying, sneaking, fighting, killing, magic, fantasy elements.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
Where to even start, this book needs an educators guide, stat. I looked online and couldn't find one and I hope that will be corrected soon because if you read my thought above, you know there is a lot to discuss.
SYNOPSIS:
In short the book is about a boy, Adam, living "in an alternate London where the British Empire hasn't ended and slavery was never abolished." In a partitioned off Ghetto as a minority from the vague "Middle East," who is unable to go to school, or even draw, he makes deliveries for his family to help keep them afloat. During one such delivery he encounters a tiger, an animal like so many others that is extinct, her name is Tyger, and she speaks. She is an immortal searching for Guardians to help her heal and open a portal to the city. When Adam, who is immediately connected to her, cannot find a Guardian, she begins to train him, time is short and when he discovers his friend Zadie, short for Scheherazade, has some training from her father, the two set out to open the doors of perception, imagination, creation, and revelation, to save the day.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I really like that this book opens up larger discussions about society, self, literature, imagination etc, and can really be adapted to mean different things depending on what the reader brings to it. The book addresses these themes in a way that doesn't talk down to the reader, and in many ways allows the simple bad guy of the story to not be the takeaway point, but rather the journey of understanding perspective, points of view, empathy, creating something, and hope to be far more important.
The identity of the characters being Muslim initially was just a label, one that just made Adam and Zadie more "other," but a few cleverly crafted sentences about hiding their names, their skin color, and whether it worked or not, allow the reader to reflect on if denying yourself to appease others is effective or not, or rather more importantly knowing when and in which situations it could be a benefit or a selling out of who you are. Zadie and her father seem to practice, and one point Solomon ( Suleiman), offers his prayers, he says Assalamualaikum and Bismilliah. Adam and his family on the other hand, have hidden their faith so as to fit in better, and thus it is simply an identity label.
I liked that the illustrations weren't just stunning in their own right, but also highlighted the mood, and metaphysical elements of the story. I feel like I could teach not just a few lessons on this book, but dozens, and who knows if they would be correct, but I think this book would be fantastic as a read aloud in a classroom for the story at hand and for the discussions. The darkness, the excitement, the hope, really gripped me, and while I could opine on plot holes and lack of articulation, in some key scenes, I appreciate that over explanation would take away from all that the book gets right.
FLAGS:
Racism, oppression, colonialism, slavery, hanging, power imbalance, betrayal, lying, sneaking, fighting, killing, magic, fantasy elements.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
Where to even start, this book needs an educators guide, stat. I looked online and couldn't find one and I hope that will be corrected soon because if you read my thought above, you know there is a lot to discuss.
June 15, 2025
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
Tyger by SF Said is a third person-POV Middle Grade fantasy set in an alternative history where the British Empire kept going and slavery was never abolished. Adam has spent his whole life trying to keep his head down as his family is ostracized for coming from the Middle East, including refraining from drawing. When he meets Tyger, an animal that should be extinct, he finally sees a path forward for things to change.
A major theme is in-fighting in relation to colonization and oppression. The lords have the wealth and backing in order to keep taking more and should be the targets of the ire of the common people, but when the land is taken from two shepherds, one of them turns his anger towards the people of color in his community. This is sadly something that we do see crop up over and over, the oppressed reach for the people they can hurt the easiest instead of the people doing the oppressing. It’s great to see this discussed in a children’s book and then have it clearly explained that it is a form of misdirection and all that frustration needs to be turned back to the people who are responsible, not the people who are the most vulnerable.
On top of the theme of in-fighting, this book also discusses slavery, racism, xenophobia, colonization, the extinction of animal species, and the treatment of children in these conditions. It doesn’t pull any punches and instead presents everything in a way that meets children where they are at while treating them like emotionally mature humans. I love it when books manage to strike this balance and do it well because it is so easy to get pedantic or make it feel like kids are being taught a lesson through a story but I didn’t feel that at all here. All of the lessons are woven in spectacularly.
The art is absolutely stunning. It’s all in black and white but the use of black is so rich and bold. The style is unique and detailed while also allowing room for small details to really shine. Illustrations should enhance a text and I definitely did feel that the ones here did while letting the text itself really shine.
Content warning for depictions of racism, xenophobia, extinction, and slavery
I would recommend this to young readers who want to explore alternative realities while tackling difficult subject matter and readers of Middle Grade looking for a book that treats it’s readers as mature individuals
Tyger by SF Said is a third person-POV Middle Grade fantasy set in an alternative history where the British Empire kept going and slavery was never abolished. Adam has spent his whole life trying to keep his head down as his family is ostracized for coming from the Middle East, including refraining from drawing. When he meets Tyger, an animal that should be extinct, he finally sees a path forward for things to change.
A major theme is in-fighting in relation to colonization and oppression. The lords have the wealth and backing in order to keep taking more and should be the targets of the ire of the common people, but when the land is taken from two shepherds, one of them turns his anger towards the people of color in his community. This is sadly something that we do see crop up over and over, the oppressed reach for the people they can hurt the easiest instead of the people doing the oppressing. It’s great to see this discussed in a children’s book and then have it clearly explained that it is a form of misdirection and all that frustration needs to be turned back to the people who are responsible, not the people who are the most vulnerable.
On top of the theme of in-fighting, this book also discusses slavery, racism, xenophobia, colonization, the extinction of animal species, and the treatment of children in these conditions. It doesn’t pull any punches and instead presents everything in a way that meets children where they are at while treating them like emotionally mature humans. I love it when books manage to strike this balance and do it well because it is so easy to get pedantic or make it feel like kids are being taught a lesson through a story but I didn’t feel that at all here. All of the lessons are woven in spectacularly.
The art is absolutely stunning. It’s all in black and white but the use of black is so rich and bold. The style is unique and detailed while also allowing room for small details to really shine. Illustrations should enhance a text and I definitely did feel that the ones here did while letting the text itself really shine.
Content warning for depictions of racism, xenophobia, extinction, and slavery
I would recommend this to young readers who want to explore alternative realities while tackling difficult subject matter and readers of Middle Grade looking for a book that treats it’s readers as mature individuals
July 26, 2024
I'd never heard of this author or book until it was recommended to me for my 12 books recommended by 12 friends challenge. I've read a lot of middle-grade fantasy with my children so it sounded good to me.
The world building was simple yet imaginative; with it being London in a different time, it was easy enough to envision with the descriptive language.
There weren't too many characters to remember and although their characters didn't develop much, they were likable. Especially Tyger - I'm a sucker for animals in books. I liked that Adam and Zadie were a little rebellious even though it was dangerous with the "baddie" Maldahide about.
I enjoyed reading about their journey to save the Tyger and I was on tenterhooks at points when I didn't think she was going to make it.
I listened to the audiobook but had to speed it up to 1.5x as the narration was super slow! The narrator did so a great job of the different character accents and voices though.
It was an easy read and one that I think kids and adults alike - interested in children's fantasy and magical creatures - will enjoy.
4⭐️ using CAWPILE
The world building was simple yet imaginative; with it being London in a different time, it was easy enough to envision with the descriptive language.
There weren't too many characters to remember and although their characters didn't develop much, they were likable. Especially Tyger - I'm a sucker for animals in books. I liked that Adam and Zadie were a little rebellious even though it was dangerous with the "baddie" Maldahide about.
I enjoyed reading about their journey to save the Tyger and I was on tenterhooks at points when I didn't think she was going to make it.
I listened to the audiobook but had to speed it up to 1.5x as the narration was super slow! The narrator did so a great job of the different character accents and voices though.
It was an easy read and one that I think kids and adults alike - interested in children's fantasy and magical creatures - will enjoy.
4⭐️ using CAWPILE
December 26, 2025
I picked up this book at a library used book sale on the basis of its strong Goodreads reviews and a brief quote (“A masterpiece”) from Frank Cottrell Boyce on the front cover. I don’t know that I would say it’s a masterpiece, but I found it to be a solid middle-grade novel of an alternate universe with some fantastic elements. There are some really sophisticated themes here around class, wealth, and power, introduced in ways that would make them more understandable to younger readers. Taking place in a world where the British Empire never fell and slavery was never abolished, this is a uniquely British take on these themes. Definitely interesting and worth a read.
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