When a Tiger Flies

When a Tiger Flies by Susie Yi
Roaring Brook Press

Sixteen-year-old Ara is a prodigy. Under the sheltered care of her parents, Ara has achieved her life goal―she’s going to Harvard College.

But while Ara had prepared herself for getting into Harvard, she isn’t ready for what college brings. She’s no longer the only genius at school, her parents aren’t around, and being two years younger than her fellow freshmen means Ara is in the dark about a lot of things, especially romantic relationships.

Things spiral out of control as Ara struggles to maintain top grades and falls for an older classmate, who offers to help her. But when he becomes controlling and abusive, she gradually realizes, through time and healing, that she must find her inner tiger and roar.

Inspired by author-illustrator Susie Yi’s own experience, When a Tiger Flies is an achingly honest and deeply moving graphic novel about first college experiences, toxic relationships, and inherited resilience, upending the stereotype about her “tiger parents”.