Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

“This story is full of action, African folklore, mythology, African-American history, the power of words, stories coming to life and a boy finding the hero within himself.” - sounds like my kind of book. Definitely want to read this!

Not my thing.

3.5 stars. The plot seemed to reach peaks a few times, which was strange. The main character was interesting and the stories referenced were unique for this style of book.

What a magical, funny, heartwrenching book. Some things I really loved: –The depiction of grief as ambivalent. Feeling both like you left them behind and they left you behind. Feeling guilty for still being here and anger because they're not anymore. How the happiest memories turn sharp and painful. See also: [b:A Monster Calls 19229818 A Monster Calls Patrick Ness https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1435813838l/19229818.SY75.jpg 13492114]–How Tristan gets to be scared. He gets to admit it, out loud, to himself and others. He even gets to go to therapy and get something out of it. And when he's honest about being afraid, he isn't met with ridicule. Because you can be courageous and terrified. You can be vulnerable and be a hero. See also: Into the Spiderverse–It's not often that fantasy featuring a male protagonist surrounds that protagonist with girls. And yet Tristan fights alongside Ayanna, Thandiwe, Chestnutt, and Gum Baby. Each have distinct personalities (and I love all of them), but are smart and capable in their own ways. The group dynamics feel refreshing and natural. Gum Baby is an icon, obviously.–How the noble quest to save the world is basically just roadblock after roadblock. Things don't always go to plan, and if this year has taught me anything it's that when things are already bad it's easy for them to get worse. There was something relatable about grandiose plans toppling basically as soon as they were made, over and over. Tristan is an endearing, compelling protagonist who is more than anything a friend. His boxing and storytelling skills are a beautiful combination and show clearly how athleticism and artistry are not mutually exclusive and often support one another. The diversity is intentional and powerful. The folklore brims with whimsy. It's exciting and intense, but it's also just a lot of fun. I'll be pestering everyone to read it.While unique, it's also one of those texts that reminds me of lots of other books. I'd recommend this if you like [b:Alice in Wonderland 24213 Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass Lewis Carroll https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327872220l/24213.SY75.jpg 2375385], [b:Inkheart 444331 Inkheart (Inkworld, #1) Cornelia Funke https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1394957292l/444331.SX50.jpg 2628323], [b:The Strangers 40390757 The Strangers (Greystone Secrets, #1) Margaret Peterson Haddix https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529990008l/40390757.SY75.jpg 59931992], [b:Small Spaces 36959639 Small Spaces (Small Spaces, #1) Katherine Arden https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1539180297l/36959639.SY75.jpg 56656020], or [b:Morrigan Crow 34219873 The Trials of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor, #1) Jessica Townsend https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1573171204l/34219873.SX50.jpg 55271407].

These characters feel just so real! I know they exist just right over there. I don't know that I am ready to leave them just yet. I want to keep holding onto the book, so I can keep holding on to them.

I really enjoyed this book! This was one book I was highly anticipating in 2019 and just now got around to it. This is another middle grade that has some focus on grief and how Tristan navigates that - all within a magical realm that he has to save. I loved how Mbalia gave new life to folk characters. It is very fitting for this story to be a part of Rick Riordan's imprint. I look forward to see where this story goes.

As a reader, you know stories have power. Kwame Mbalia gives a refreshing take on that power in this story. This story is about the power of story, sure, but also the power of cooperation, compassion, honesty, and self- confidence.

As a bonus, the underlying myths and legends are African American folk tales that I have not seen in very many other stories.

Great stuff. Would be nice to read out loud to younger kids or put in the hands of middle grades and beyond.

This was a little slow for me but I'm really glad it exists! Tristan is sweet and funny and dealing with some heavy stuff. I appreciated how Mbalia handles collective trauma and memory and culture in a way that's accessible for middle schoolers. I'm excited to give this to tweens and teens!