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Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

(Tristan Strong #1)

Kwame Mbalia (Goodreads Author)

4.35 · Rating details · 1,363 ratings · 373 reviews

Seventh-grader Tristan Strong feels anything but strong ever since he failed to save his best friend when they were in a bus accident together. All he has left of Eddie is the journal his friend wrote stories in. Tristan is dreading the month he’s going to spend on his grandparents’ farm in Alabama, where he’s being sent to heal from the tragedy. But on his first night ...more

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Kindle Edition, 496 pages

Published October 15th 2019 by Disney Hyperion

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Sep 02, 2019 Rick Riordan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Don’t get me wrong. Greek myths are great! But you can’t swing a gorgon’s head in any bookstore without hitting at least a dozen Greek-myth-inspired books.

Try finding great adventures based on Western African gods and heroes like Nyame or Anansi. Try finding stories about modern kids who encounter African-American folk legends like High John, John Henry and Brer Rabbit. Those books are a lot harder to locate, despite that fact that millions of kids would relate to those gods and heroes even Don’t get me wrong. Greek myths are great! But you can’t swing a gorgon’s head in any bookstore without hitting at least a dozen Greek-myth-inspired books.

Try finding great adventures based on Western African gods and heroes like Nyame or Anansi. Try finding stories about modern kids who encounter African-American folk legends like High John, John Henry and Brer Rabbit. Those books are a lot harder to locate, despite that fact that millions of kids would relate to those gods and heroes even more than they would to Hercules and Perseus (sorry, my Greek dudes).

Can you imagine what it would be like if you could find a book that wove the whole brilliant, beautiful tapestry of West African and African-American legend into one magical world? A world that made young African-American readers think, YES! THIS IS MY AWESOME MYTHOLOGY. THIS IS MY MAGIC WORLD TO EXPLORE, AND THESE HEROIC KIDS ARE JUST LIKE ME! A book that left all readers thinking, WOW. WHY DIDN’T I KNOW ABOUT THESE AMAZING STORIES SOONER?
Kwame Mbalia has written that book. You are about to discover TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY, and your world will never be the same.

I won’t even try to describe all the incredible adventures facing Tristan Strong in this debut novel. That would spoil the fun! But when Tristan accidentally punches a hole through our world into the sky of the Midpass, the world of African-American legends, he starts on the most epic of quests. Awaiting him are malicious haints, iron monsters, bone ships, flying rafts, burning seas, talking animals, ancient gods, and more.

But for all its great fantasy elements, what I love most about this book is its human side. Tristan is struggling with grief after the death of his best friend. He has just lost his first fighting bout, disappointing his father and grandfather’s hopes for him carrying on the family legacy. Sentenced to a summer at the grandparents’ farm in rural Alabama, this Chicago city kid is struggling to figure out who he wants to be, and whether his parents (and society) will let him be that person. Tristan is tough but tender, smart but cautious, courageous but insecure. He is someone every kid will relate to, and you will immediately want to be his friend.

I’ll tell you a secret. I cried while reading this book. Several times, I just got overwhelmed with happiness, thinking about what this book would have meant to many of my students back when I taught middle school. I was delighted to see old friends like Brer Fox, John Henry and Gum Baby in such a fresh, modern, page-turning adventure. I felt grateful to Kwame Mbalia for writing this book so that new generations of young readers could grown up with Tristan Strong and get to know the rich stories of West Africa and the African Diaspora. In a lifetime full of highlights, I have to say that helping to publish this book is right up there at the top!

I know you will enjoy TRISTAN STRONG. I envy you reading this book for the first time. As for Tristan’s further adventures, the sky’s the limit. Wait, no. Tristan punched a hole in the sky. There ARE no limits.
...more

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Jul 11, 2019 megs_bookrack rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs-read

**4.5-stars rounded up**

Holy smokes!!!

That was a debut???

Y'all, Tristan Strong is a hella ambitious first novel that felt like an entire world being constructed in front of your eyes.

I am really dang impressed with this!

Okay, now with the initial swooning out of the way, let's get into the review.

Tristan Strong is a 7th grader who has had a tough time of late. After losing his best friend in a horrific bus crash, Tristan is struggling with his grief and feels like no one understands him.

His ...more

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Jan 05, 2020 Lola rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, middle-grade, 2019-publications

This is a solid story. With solid, memorable characters, and an intriguing concept. The writing, also, is solid. The fact that this is a debut is astounding. I completely understand why Rick Riordan picked it for publishing. I would have done the same thing. This story deserves to be out there, because it is not more of the same. The diversity and unusualness of the types of characters/creatures made it exciting to my eyes, from the beginning.

There is even one character that I actively thought ...more

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Mar 30, 2019 The Artisan Geek rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: bookcase, favourites

------------------VIDEO REVIEW------------------

4/10/19
FINISHED! What a story, I laughed and I cried, but I mainly laughed! So fun to read a book about African gods!! :D My review will be up next week!! ;)

2/10/19
A HUGE thank you to Disney Hyperion for gifting me a copy of this book! #Blessed

30/3/19
Did I hear that correctly? Black American Gods??? My gosh this book sounds so good!! I can't wait!

You can find me on
Youtube | Instagram | Twitter | Tumblr | Website

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Apr 18, 2018 Sana marked it as to-read-so-bad-it-hurts · review of another edition

DUUUUDE. I don't even care that it's MG, Imma read it

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Oct 15, 2019 Jazmen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: my-favorites, my-favorite-series

I never wanted to be a superhero as a child, but I wanted to do heroic things. Tristan Strong epitomizes the dreams of young black children who want to do and be both; be heroes/heroines and do heroic things. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky is the Harry Potter for young black children. (A heavy claim, I know.) It is a grabbing combination of African folklore, African American history, African mythology, and the innate magic that is Blackness.

Tristan Strong just lost his best friend. His I never wanted to be a superhero as a child, but I wanted to do heroic things. Tristan Strong epitomizes the dreams of young black children who want to do and be both; be heroes/heroines and do heroic things. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky is the Harry Potter for young black children. (A heavy claim, I know.) It is a grabbing combination of African folklore, African American history, African mythology, and the innate magic that is Blackness.

Tristan Strong just lost his best friend. His best friend, Eddie, was the peanut butter to his jelly. Eddie's journal is all that remains of their friendship. The journal is a leather-bound book of stories, told by Eddie and Tristan’s grandmother, respectively. Tristan takes the journal with him to Alabama; where he’s sent to stay with his grandparents, to heal from the loss. While there, he encounters a sticky doll and a bottle tree. (Don’t tell Gum baby I called her a doll.) Gum Baby sneaks into Tristan's room and steals Eddie's journal. In pursuit of the doll who stole his best friend’s journal, Tristan knocks into the bottle tree—ripping a hole between his world and the Mid-pass. As a result, he lets loose a long-contained spirit.

Tristan falls into a chasm with the loud-mouthed sticky creature and finds himself in a world where haunted ships and African gods exist.

I can’t tell you all how good this book is, at least not properly, or eloquently enough. I opened the book and Tristan grabbed me by the throat, threw me and Gum Baby into his hoodie, and did not let me go until the very last page. It was unputdownable.

I rarely find books unputdownable, but I did not want to put this book down. Rich in history, contemporary language, and a teachable juxtaposition between today’s African American and yesterday’s African lay a beautiful story, worthy of being passed down; not unlike the folklores told in the story.

Tristan’s relatability, his touchable grief, and his insecurities will reach readers young and old, but specifically the youth. This book is perfectly suited for its audience and even beyond. In the story, readers are introduced to a cast of characters they won’t soon forget. Though Anaya, our witty guide, among other small but vital characters weren’t as fleshed out, I didn’t find the story lacking. With a series, there should be some expectation of “left-out details.” Later books expound on the smaller details. Hashing everything out, in the beginning, leaves little to be desired later in the series. Book one gave enough backstory to hook the reader and keep the reader.

The world is like a multi-layered onion. The descriptions made the world leap off the page in frightening real and otherworldly detail. The descriptions of the gods, the villains, the physical spaces/lands, and the characters in all their uniqueness were one of the book’s shining spots. It brought life and color to the words making the story that much more lively and enjoyable.

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky is the book this generation's black youth needs. It shows them as heroes, gods, and heroines. It teaches Black history in a fun and approachable way. It is a beautiful piece of literature that will land itself a "forever home" on any book lover's bookshelf. An outstanding and unforgettable debut. I want more, and more, and more. ...more

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Oct 06, 2018 Rain marked it as to-read · review of another edition

The Rick Riordan Imprint is actually here giving us quality content. I'M HERE FOR THIS BOOK. YAAASSSS

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Apr 17, 2018 Melanie marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: middle-grade, own-voices

I'm beyond words hyped for this!

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Feb 04, 2019 Nikki S rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: i-m-a-cover-whore, own-voices, so-good-i-read-the-acknowledgements

**EDIT 2/4/2019**

Y'all this cover gave me CHILLS. Like real, legit chills.

**EDIT 10/12/2019**

SWEET PEACHES THAT WAS GOOD! Real review to come.

**EDIT 10/24/19**

You can find more of my reviews here at my blog: Take Me Away...

I have started and restarted this review so many times. I even had to stop one night so I could sleep on it. But I just didn't think I could get this review right. There's so much in this book tto hhat I didn't think I'd ever see in a book, let alone one for kids.

Tristan **EDIT 2/4/2019**

Y'all this cover gave me CHILLS. Like real, legit chills.

**EDIT 10/12/2019**

SWEET PEACHES THAT WAS GOOD! Real review to come.

**EDIT 10/24/19**

You can find more of my reviews here at my blog: Take Me Away...

I have started and restarted this review so many times. I even had to stop one night so I could sleep on it. But I just didn't think I could get this review right. There's so much in this book tto hhat I didn't think I'd ever see in a book, let alone one for kids.

Tristan Strong hasn't felt like his self since he lost his best friend Eddie. He goes to his grandparent's house to heal. While there, strange things begin to happen. A sticky doll comes out of nowhere and steals Eddie's journal and he chases her. She almost gets away until he punches a Bottle Tree... which sends them to MidPass where there's African American gods. To get back home Tristan has to make sure the sky is fixed and that he won't lose anything else he won't love.

I can't express how much this story meant to me. Seeing so many strong Black characters fighting against the very things that haunted them; chains and "Uncle C"... it was more than amazing. And this story was also filled with so much Blackness that I never thought I'd see in a book. For instance, the Bottle Tree. The fact that I had one of those in my front yard, thanks to my own mother, made me realize just how imoprtant it was to me. Before I even finished it I called my mom and said she needed to read it too.

As for the characters, I loved every one of them. (But no one can top Gum Baby lol) I loved seeing some of the characters I've heard from stories back when I was younger from my mom. John Henry and all of them were straight from the tales. But there were still some tales I hadn't heard and went back and did some research on those that I didn't. Not only was this entertaining, but it was also educational.

As for the plot, I did feel that it was too close to the chosen one troupe. It ticked every box for it, but, with all the fighting and the storytelling, I thought that was more than ok. And for this to be the first in the series, I can't imagine a better origin story. It's definitely only rivaled by the other origin stories from the Rick Riordan imprint.

This book was everything I needed and more. I remember hearing about this story and being extremely excited to see the cover reveal. And now I'm super excited that I've read and loved this book. I can't wait to read more Tristan Strong.
...more

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Nov 22, 2019 Bethany rated it really liked it · review of another edition

One of the newest additions to the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky offers a middle grade adventure story that integrates figures from West African mythology and African American folk heroes as characters. It's fast-paced and action packed with rich symbolism and subtle (for middle grade) messaging about the importance of collective memory and unity among Black people from different places. It's also a story of a seventh-grader from Chicago grieving the ...more

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Jan 17, 2020 Annemieke / A Dance with Books rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, 4-star, 2020

Tristan Strong was my most anticipated middle grade read for 2019 and of course that meant I put it off. I shouldn’t have. It was great. I ended up reading it with Sammie and Leelynn. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with me and discussing the book.

This is a really important book for African(-American) youths because it stands strong amidst the themes of slavery within the African (-American) folklore and legends. I think Leelyn talks about this theme better in her review than I as a Tristan Strong was my most anticipated middle grade read for 2019 and of course that meant I put it off. I shouldn’t have. It was great. I ended up reading it with Sammie and Leelynn. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with me and discussing the book.

This is a really important book for African(-American) youths because it stands strong amidst the themes of slavery within the African (-American) folklore and legends. I think Leelyn talks about this theme better in her review than I as a white European ever could. It is important to remember how our history impacted others. And especially for these youths it is a history where a lot of things even in recent things are still based on, like racism.

Tristan Strong not only punched a hole in the sky but managed to nestle his way into my heart. He is a strong young man but has such a heavy weight on his shoulders. I think the author dealt with the themes of his grief and survivor’s guilt really well throughout the book. It was realistic. I felt it.
Even more so I felt very strongly about the adults surrounding Tristan. His grandfather for instance is one I would have loved to have a good talking too. After Tristan just having lost his friend he is more worried about his grandson having lost his first fight rather than his grandson’s wellbeing. And some of the gods blaming it all on Tristan Strong with that whole hole in the sky thing did not sit well with me. Another easy way to shift the blame, boo.

Tristan does find his way though, and despite being a reluctant hero, ends up being a great asset in the fight. He has a great character arc and character growth in this book where you just want to cheer him on.

The whole world of Alke is rich. I only truly knew about Anansi (and only from American Gods by Neil Gaiman) so it was great to see him appear in a book that is full with African folklore.

I do think that for a middle grade the book is a bit lengthy and that it might put off some k
ids from reading it. I really hope it doesn’t because everyone should be reading this one.
...more

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Sep 24, 2018 Samm | Sassenach the Book Wizard added it · review of another edition

Shelves: 2019

This was so much damn fun! I don't know a ton of West African folklore but I know I've interacted with it in very brief capacities through out films and TV and some books. It was cool to have a contemporary setting that pulls in West African folklore. It was all fun and quick. I loved Tristan Strong as a character. His life hasn't been easy but he has pieces that...honestly most people can see a connection to. I am super curious to see how we will fix the fantasy world/setting which was ripped ...more

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Aug 10, 2019 Erin Boyington rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, middle-grade, 1-my-ebooks, arc, kindle

I hate to feel so lukewarm about a book coming from such a cool storytelling tradition (as soon as I saw that it's based on African-American folklore, I was all over it), but honestly it was a slog. It is a very long book for middle grade, with lots of locations, characters, and SYMBOLISM.

The best parts of the story were in the beginning, where Tristan is interacting with his family. I think Tristan's recurring thoughts on adults are a great theme - adults are always telling him what to do, I hate to feel so lukewarm about a book coming from such a cool storytelling tradition (as soon as I saw that it's based on African-American folklore, I was all over it), but honestly it was a slog. It is a very long book for middle grade, with lots of locations, characters, and SYMBOLISM.

The best parts of the story were in the beginning, where Tristan is interacting with his family. I think Tristan's recurring thoughts on adults are a great theme - adults are always telling him what to do, without always modeling the lessons they're imposing on him. Tristan's voice is wry and funny in the beginning (strong echoes of Bud, Not Buddy), but as soon as he descends to MidPass, he spends all his time being confused and asking questions that take a long time to get answered.

The adventure is overall a huge bummer, which makes sense. The monsters (fetterlings, hullbeasts, brandflies, the Maafa) all represent African enslavement and transportation through the Middle Passage. Your typical middle grade novel doesn't deal with such a long and horrific history of human cruelty. (I mean, imagine if Camp Halfblood's gods and monsters were from a more recent past. Like we were the great-grandkids of the conquered Trojans. It would make the fantasy much less fun.)

The beginning half has a lightness to it that the latter half is missing. Thank goodness for the annoying Gum Baby to bring some levity. For a storytelling tradition populated with iconic tricksters, there wasn't much cleverness to be found in the gods of the story. They're all grim and powerless against the forces that are stealing their people. The system of magic didn't always make sense - honestly, what I really wanted was for Tristan to tell some of the classic folktales with the heroes sitting right there arguing over interpretations. Or better yet, relive them and use their lessons to beat his enemies.

The end of the story does make me hope that the sequel will take place more in Tristan's world than MidPass, with his family front and center.

Received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Aug 08, 2019 Lilyn G. | Sci-Fi & Scary | "Empathy" - Look it up. rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: request-netgalley, kids-fantasy, kidlit-read-2019, diverse-poc

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Skyby Kwame Mbalia took me right out of my comfort zone of known mythos and plunked me down in an unfamiliar world that I ended up totally invested in.
I loved the main character. Tristan Strong – who feels like he’s failed every time something important has happened – has no desire to be a hero.If he tries, who knows what else bad will happen. I feel that. Feel that down to my bones. I know there are many younger readers who will be unfortunately familiar ...more

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Mar 28, 2019 temi ★ marked it as brother-tbr · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, new-2020

definitely getting this for my little brother. the only books he reads that aren’t comic books are about black superhero-types in 7th or 8th grade. he’s a kid of weird taste

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Jan 26, 2020 day rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: faves

THIS is such an incredible book and i'm so blown away by how much it accomplished without it ever feeling like "too much". it has clear motives and morals without ever being heavy-handed. i do wish we got a little more friendship scenes from ayanna and tristan but i also found them to be very believable! and i really like thandiwe! and i think miss sarah & miss rose were implied 2 be in love but honestly it was unclear. either way i do like them too!!

if ur a fan of stories about stories and ...more

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Nov 11, 2019 Jasmine rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: find-a-way-to-buy-this, middle-grade, disney-hyperion, rick-riordan-presents, 2019-fav

Absolutely earns the hype. Fantastic coming-of-age story, full of american folklore and joyous afrofuturism, built around a core of grief and how it must be acknowledged but not allow it to overcome you.

Definitely went through some culture shock with how everybody just says what's on their mind, good and definitely bad, (cue Jasmine doing canadian shock and "you can't just say things like that" faces), but once I shook myself clear of that it was just a delight.

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Aug 07, 2019 Ms. Yingling rated it liked it · review of another edition

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Tristan's parents send him from his home in Chicago to stay with his grandparents in Alabama for the summer so that he can try to find a new way forward after the death of his best friend Eddie in a bus accident. He feels inadequate for several reasons; he failed to save his friend, he doesn't box as well as his father, and his Granddad thinks he is soft and doesn't work hard enough. His Nana, who tells him lots of stories, is the only one who seems to understand. E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Tristan's parents send him from his home in Chicago to stay with his grandparents in Alabama for the summer so that he can try to find a new way forward after the death of his best friend Eddie in a bus accident. He feels inadequate for several reasons; he failed to save his friend, he doesn't box as well as his father, and his Granddad thinks he is soft and doesn't work hard enough. His Nana, who tells him lots of stories, is the only one who seems to understand. He has his best friend's journal, and only he can see it glowing green, with an unusual symbol on the front. One night, Tristan hears odd sounds in his room, and the Gum Baby appears to him. Talking continuously in the third person, Gum Baby demands the journal, which of course Tristan does not to part with. The resultant fighting causes Tristan to get sucked into another world, ripping the titular "hole in the sky" in the process. Once in this other world, he meets a host of characters who are from traditional African-American stories: Brer Fox and Rabbit, John Henry, Nyame, two flying women named Rose and Sarah, Thandiwe, High John, and a girl his age named Ayanna and a man named Uncle C. The journal keeps getting misplaced, so finding it is an important quest, but Tristan also finds himself fending off the fetterlings and traveling into the Golden Crescent on a mission to find a Story Box. He has found that he is an Anansesem and has a keen ability to tell stories in a riveting fashion, which he does frequently. The force that the group is fighting is called Maafa, and he wants to power of the stories within the journal and Story Box. Tristan is able to gain insights into his own grief by understanding Maafa's motivation, and finds a way to silence his threat. Unfortunately, there are other adversaries who are not so easily subdued. Will Tristan be able to retrieve Eddie's journals and return to his own world?
Strengths: I really enjoyed the parts set in the real world, and I loved Granddad's philosophy that more work solves everything! This very cleverly uses a lot of African and African American folk tales to good effect. The characters work well together, and there is LOTS of action and adventure. It is great to see speculative fiction by #ownvoices writers that represent cultures that are NOT Anglo-Saxon-Celtic.
Weaknesses: There were a lot of characters and places, as well as some allegory, and I spent most of my time trying to figure out one thing, thereby missing something else. It is telling that when I looked up other reviews, most did not include a plot synopsis that would have clarified some of these points for me. I think I am not the only who was confused. It might have helped to have an index with some of the references.
What I really think: I will purchase, but I wish it were a bit shorter (the E ARC was 498 pages!) and less confusing. I fear that only my most avid fantasy fans (i.e. the students who adore Eragon) will be able to get through this. ...more

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Oct 31, 2019 Mandy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: middle-g, fantasy-low

representation: black main characters
content warnings: death of friend, grief, intense sequences

This was just a well written book filled with heart, action, and two intensely likable main character - and yes, I'm counting Gum Baby as a main character because she stole the show for me. This book is a prime example of why middle grade is totally winning the game at times if you are looking for a book with vivid imagination and hope.

I really enjoyed this book. It was wholly unique and so ...more

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Dec 29, 2019 Skip rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

Chicago teenager Tristan Strong is sent to his grandparents in Alabama for the summer after his friend Eddie is killed in an accident. On his first night there, a creature steals Eddie's journal and Tristan chases him into the woods, where Tristan accidentally punches a hole into the ground near a bottle tree, breaking one of the bottles and tearing a hole into another realm. He and the creature (Gum Baby) (the thief) fall into the realm taking a freed haint with them. Tristan finds himself in a ...more

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Feb 10, 2020 Brandy Painter rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, middle-grade

This is a truly excellent novel-both fun and well written. It deals with some difficult themes and experiences, while also maintaining a perfect MG tone. It's clear why it is included in Riordan's new imprint. Dare I say it is better crafted than most of Riordan's own work though? The characters are strong and well drawn. There is humor, high stakes, and a lot of adventure. I really enjoyed the way it used both African and American folklore. I can tell this is going to be one of those series I ...more

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Feb 14, 2020 Karly Grice rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: preservice-teacher-must-reads, 2020-faves

One of the best children’s books I’ve read in a long time. It’s American Gods meets Neverending Story meets Wizard of Oz. It’s a love letter to storytelling and African American culture. So much heart and humor, so smart and challenging. When people ask me what makes good children’s books, my answer is often “it respects children and their capabilities/sensibilities”; Mbalia has done just that. All teachers and children’s lit peeps should move this book up on their must read list and put it in ...more

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Feb 19, 2020 Starlah rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: all-time-favs, 2020

my new favorite middle grade!

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Oct 14, 2019 Nicole M. Hewitt rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction-addiction-read

This review (along with a GIVEAWAY) and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction

This book is absolutely packed with rich storytelling—both African and African American folklore that many middle graders have probably never encountered before. It’s difficult to even unpack how many different stories are rolled into this adventure and brought to life in a new way. (I’d actually love it if Rick Riordan Presents would do a companion that goes deeper into each individual tale, This review (along with a GIVEAWAY) and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction

This book is absolutely packed with rich storytelling—both African and African American folklore that many middle graders have probably never encountered before. It’s difficult to even unpack how many different stories are rolled into this adventure and brought to life in a new way. (I’d actually love it if Rick Riordan Presents would do a companion that goes deeper into each individual tale, sort of like the Greek Gods companions that were done for the Percy Jackson Series). This book would be perfect to use in a classroom setting because I believe it will inspire kids to want to learn more about the folklore and mythology behind characters like Nyami, Brer Rabbit, John Henry, High John and Gum Baby.

Tristan Strong is just getting over the sting of his first boxing match—and his first defeat. He feels like he’s let the adults in his life (who all have high expectations of him—especially his grandfather) down. But, more than that, he’s trying to pull himself out of the depression and guilt that has surrounded him since his best friend’s death. When he goes to visit his grandparents farm in rural Alabama, the Chicago city-boy feels like a fish out of water. When his best friend’s journal is stolen by Gum Baby and Tristan ends up in a magical land filled with folk heroes, he feels like a fish in the desert!!

This book is beautifully-written, and it’s filled with a fabulous mixture of adventure and heart. Not only does Tristan have to defeat the monsters he’s unleashed on the folkloric world, but he also has to come to terms with his sadness and guilt over the loss of his friend—no small task. The story weaves the folk characters and gods in seamlessly and also brings in themes of slavery without being overly bleak or obvious about it (the symbolism of the villain in the story is beautiful as is the theme of stories that must be told, even when they’re difficult and we’d rather forget them). Once again, I feel like these themes could be explored even more in a classroom setting.

The book is long for a middle grade novel (especially a first book in a series—it seems like often those first books are shorter and then they get thicker as the series progresses), but there’s a lot to pack into this story. And while there is a very slight lull in the book when Tristan first gets to the mysterious folklore land, everything is tied together handily and it all becomes apparent why certain things happened early on in the end!

Magical and filled to the brim with folklore, this first book in the Tristan Strong Series certainly packs a punch!

***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and FFBC blog tours in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.*** ...more

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Jun 24, 2019 Lorie Barber rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: read-and-recommended-for-5th-grade

Thank you to NetGalley for a digital copy of this book.
I absolutely LOVED Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky. Kesler Mbalia weaves (pun intended, you’ll get it when you read it) beautiful African hero folktales, a modern-day setting and main character, and laugh-out-loud supporting characters together in a tale for these trying times. Tristan learns and grows so much through his quest, overcoming fears and guilt to understand who he really is and what it means to be “strong.” Considering ...more

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Apr 16, 2019 Sami rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book smashed through my heart like Tristan's fist through the Bottle Tree-it really is that good. Drawing on African American folklore, full of legendary heroes, and nearly infallible tricksters, Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky is exactly the type of middle grade anyone can enjoy. The characters are cleverly written, the plot is full of exciting twists, and don't even get me started on the storytelling. I can't wait to sell this to everyone I know!

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Nov 16, 2019 Laura Gardner rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

adventure, humor and fantasy all wrapped into one
TRISTAN —a brave protagonist who is in touch with his emotions fabulous secondary characters (Gum Baby is my favorite and John Henry is a close second)
AMAZING narration (audio is just outstanding!)
magic and myth rooted in Black American history ...more

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Feb 14, 2020 ˗ˏˋ aphrodite ˊˎ˗ rated it liked it · review of another edition

**2.5/5 stars

this was one of my most anticipated releases of 2019 as I am always looking for diverse mythology and anansi is one of the most interesting deities across all cultures. unfortunately it left me disappointed :(

I will say that I did enjoy how symbolism was played in a subtle way with the villains as well as the character interactions, specifically gum baby who was hilarious (also the audiobook is FANTASTIC !!) I also liked how “flawed” tristan is and the growth he goes through in the ...more

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Nov 24, 2019 Ricky rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: freaky-supernatural-adventures, thrillers, fantasy, childrens, action-adventures, why-isn-t-this-a-bloody-movie-yet

Goodreads lists this latest installment in the Rick Riordan Presents lineup as the first of a series, but it could also work pretty well as a standalone piece. Which might explain why there's no "coming soon" at the end of the book listing the title of the next installment. But Kwame Mbalia gives us an excellent debut in Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, a sprawling and mind-bending tour through a world of West African gods and black folk heroes. And as far as Rick Riordan and Rick ...more

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Dec 11, 2019 Wendy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

3.75* Another one of Rick Riordan's imprint, this book is about African mythology. Tristan is a 7th grader who had just lost his best friend in a bus accident. He's been sent to his grandparents'farm in Alabama to spend the summer. His grandmother has always told stories about African gods and folktales. When he chased a creature into a Bottle Tree, he found himself in a mythical land where the stories are true. He also inadvertently brought a bad spirit with him into this land and this was ...more

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