Tig by Heather Smith

A new heartwarming middle-grade story from the critically acclaimed author Heather Smith featuring Tig, a young girl struggling to find peace within herself and in her new family. 

.After months of living without electricity or parents, Tig and Peter are forced to move in with their Uncle Scott and his partner, Manny. The transition from down-and-out to picture-perfect isn't easy, especially in pristine Wensleydale with the idyllic couple and their beautiful home.

Tig, with Peter's support, decides to make their new life messy, starting with daily arguments and her plans to become a competitive cheese racer. She'll run circles around her new guardians, outrun a wheel of cheese, and leave her past buried in her dust. But things don't always go as planned, and Tig must decide what to truly leave behind in order to move forward.

Hardcover, 160 pages

Published September 3, 2024

 by Tundra Books

5/5 stars

I love discovering Canadian authors, Heather Smith is one of those. I have been on a middle grade kick for the past month and Tig came highly recommended.  Did it disappoint?  Not in the lest.

Tig is quite the character, she reminds me of Tigger from Winnie the Pooh, always bouncing around. After a situation with her mother Tig and her brother Peter find themselves living with an uncle and his partner. She struggles with what happened in the past and after hearing about a cheese race, decides that is what she is going to do. So she runs around a lot.

Coming in at 160 pages this book packs a punch. One can’t help chuckle at her antics, be it banter or actions.  But I couldn't help but feel the struggles she faces in a new surrounding. She leans a lot on her brother for support.

This was a well written story, at times hard to read while Tig tries to cover up her hurts. It’s a story of healing and new beginnings.  Definitely one I highly recommend.

My copy was obtained from my local public library.