73 pages 2 hours read

Kwame Mbalia

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2019

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Kwame Mbalia's Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, seventh grader Tristan Strong, grieving his best friend's death, visits his grandparents' farm in Alabama. After a doll named Gum Baby steals Eddie’s journal, a tussle ensues, creating a rift into the mythical realm of Alke. There, Tristan must repair the damage by embarking on a quest that intertwines African American folklore and confronting the monster Maafa. The book includes fantasy violence, brief representations of death, and discussion of the Middle Passage and slavery in America.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia is celebrated for its imaginative world-building and rich incorporation of African American folklore. Readers praise the protagonist's relatability and emotional depth. Some critics note pacing issues and a complex plot that may overwhelm younger readers. Overall, it's a compelling, culturally rich adventure.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky?

A reader who would enjoy Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia loves middle-grade fantasy infused with African American folklore and mythology. Fans of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson & the Olympians series or Roshani Chokshi's Aru Shah series will appreciate the adventure, cultural depth, and engaging protagonist.

RecommendedReading Age

8-12years

Book Details

Genre

Fantasy

Fairy Tale / Folklore

Children's Literature

Topics

History: African

Race / Racism

Themes

Relationships: Friendship

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Identity: Race