The magic and mystery of the Tasmanian rain forest take center stage in Michelle Kadarusman's novel about a middle-grade Canadian girl finding herself--and a species believed to be extinct--in the wilds of Australia. Incorporating themes of diversity and environmental preservation into her adventure, Kadarusman (Girl of the Southern Sea) creates a story straight out of adolescent daydreams.
Louisa is less than thrilled about going to the other side of the world for the summer to stay with her uncle at his family's bush camp. She comes from a family of scientists, but her passion is music. She loves the violin and has an audition coming up she's certain she should be practicing for, instead of "walking through the land of creepy-crawlies." It isn't long, however, before Louisa sees past the creepy-crawlies to the beauty and wonder around her, including a nearby Tasmanian tiger sanctuary created by her great-grandmother. The world believes the large marsupial is extinct, but one lone tiger still inhabits the sanctuary. As the government comes to reclaim the land for a mining project, it's up to Louisa, her uncle and her quirky friend Colin to lure out the elusive tiger and move it to safety.
As Louisa discovers a new, exciting side of herself, Kadarusman guides readers through the majestic intricacies of a remote corner of Australia. She pays homage to the Australian Aborigines, granting deep respect to their role as caretakers of the Tasmanian rain forest, and paints her characters as respectfully and authentically as the setting. The friendship that evolves between Louisa and Colin, who is on the autism spectrum, adds a layer of complexity to Louisa's character as well as to the plot itself. Compassionate and endearing, Music for Tigers hits all the right notes. --Jen Forbus, freelancer