Having grown up in the South, I was familiar with some of the legendary characters represented, but this novel presented them in a different perspective or added some insight into their characters that I was unaware of. I am drawn to stories that feature John Henry as well as ones that weave several legendary/epic characters into one tale. I have several students who have enjoyed the Clockwork Dark trilogy by John Bemis; I think this will be a good companion or follow up novel to recommend.

Kwame Mbalia has created your next favorite hero with Tristan Strong! The folktales are alive again and I can’t wait for this series to continue retelling them. I loved all these tales growing up and reading Kwame’s version blew me away. Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky is absolutely going into our school’s library collection in October.

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky is a "strong" debut novel from Kwame Mbalia. Seventh grader Tristan Strong is struggling in his life, dealing with being unable to save his best friend during a recent accident. To make things worse, he seems unable to live up to his family's name and history. His father and grandfather were champion boxers, and Tristan manages to disappoint them in his debut bout. All of that becomes minor, though, when Tristan goes to visit his grandparents' farm. In the middle of the night, a strange creature breaks into his room and steal's the journal that contains all of Tristan's memories of his dead best friend. As Tristan chases after, he finds himself in the middle of a grand journey that will take him through all of the stories of his ancestors as he tries to figure out what it means to be truly strong.

Overall, this book has everything that is needed to make it fit into the growing umbrella of "Rick Riordan Presents" books. It has near-constant action, a focus on myths and legends, and a young protagonist that drives the story as they work through their own personal challenges. It was exciting and fast paced, making you want to keep reading. The only flaw seemed to be that at times things went a little too quickly. There were a few spots in the book where the main characters moved on and it was difficult to follow the shifts in setting. This one minor flaw was the only thing I saw that could be improved. If you enjoy Rick Riordan's books, or any of the other Rick Riordan Presents, books, you will love Tristan Strong.

This is going to be the next great book from this publisher and a hit from the author, Kwame Mbalia. The culture, the language, the characters, the cover--they are a statement of greatness for the Youth of Color looking for representation in fantasy. This is it.

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 this book to read aloud during our fantasy unit and I’m THRILLED that more kids can see themselves in mythological heroes.
I am desperately hoping for a map when the final copy is published, and I’ll definitely be purchasing this one!!

Great story that employs African and African-American folklore, stories and mythology in an interesting and educational way. My single complaint is that I found the character Gum Baby somewhat annoying, but her brand of humor might work well with other readers. I would definitely read follow-ups to this and am looking forward to seeing more from this author.

Tristan's story is full of African proverbs and stories. It is a story of overcoming grief, anger, self-doubt and fear. It reminds one of African parables that have been forgotten by many. Stories with lessons that can help you conquer evil and live a better life. Tristan overcomes much to bring the stories of his world and the new lands together. He faces evil with his friends Gum baby, Ayanna, Thandiwe, Big John Henry, High John and others. If you love fables, proverbs and mythology or simply a refreshingly good story, you will love this book. I cannot wait for the next installment and I pray we do not have to wait long. Please Disney create a Tristan movie I would love to see the imagery on screen.

Absolutely excellent start of a new series under the "Rick Riordan Presents" banner. Tristan Strong, a native of Chicago, has been sent to his grandparent's Alabama farm following the death of his best friend and a failed first boxing bout (a sport that has legacy connections among the men of the Strong line). His summer visit is almost immediately interrupted by the arrival of folklore hero Gum Baby, who Tristan accidentally follows into a world where folklore heroes of both African and African American cultures are real and engaged in battle with monstrous manacles, slave ships, and the malevolent power known as "Mafaa."Favorite folk heroes John Henry, Brer Rabbit (and Fox and Bear), Anansi, and Nyame intersect with adinkra symbols and a universe where storytelling has the power to make or unmake the world itself.

I can't wait for the second volume to arrive and strongly recommend the first. I also dearly hope Kwame Mbalia is able to option this novel for film -- this first volume would make an epic and very badly needed all-black summer blockbuster for young people. Come on movie studios, pick up this gem of a book!

Having grown up in the south, I was familiar with many of these African-American stories, but there were a few new ones included here. I like how the author weaves everything together with elements of fantasy, but brings it all back in the end. Tristan is suffering from "being a seventh grader," (my words) and also coping with the loss of his best friend. Through his adventures in MidPass and Alke, he develops confidence and begins to heal. Fans of Riordan will enjoy this one.