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Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

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Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
AuthorKwame Mbalia
Cover artistErik Wilkerson[1]
LanguageEnglish
SeriesTristan Strong series
Release number
1
GenreFantasy, mythology
PublisherDisney-Hyperion, Rick Riordan Presents
Publication date
October 15, 2019
Publication placeUnited States
Awards
Followed byTristan Strong Destroys the World 

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky is the debut novel of Kwame Mbalia. Published in 2019 by Rick Riordan Presents, the middle grade novel is focused on African American folktales and West African mythology.[2] The story follows teenager Tristan Strong, who is often urged to be a boxer by his family. After his friend Eddie's death, Tristan goes to live with his grandparents on their farm to deal with his anxiety, bringing only a small amount of luggage and Eddie's old journal.

Synopsis

Tristan Strong is a seventh grade boy mourning the death of his best friend Eddie, who died in a terrible bus crash.. Eddie has left Tristan his journal, but survivor's guilt stops Tristan from reading it. Tristan is sent South, to Alabama, to heal from the tragedy. On his first night there, Eddie's journal is stolen by a strange doll-like creature. A chase ensues, and in an effort get the journal back, Tristan opens a portal to a parallel world, Alke, in the Midpass, where his grandmother's stories about mythology and folktales suddenly become very real.[3][4]

Themes

Tristan Strong includes portrayals of African American folktales, West African mythology, the legacy of the Atlantic slave trade.[5] Tristan Strong meets African American folktale characters like Br'er Fox, High John the Conquerer, and John Henry.[3] Strong also meets West African deities like Nyame, Mmoatia, and Anansi the Weaver.[6] Mbalia was introduced to Anansi tales, a major aspect of the novel, by his late father.[2] Tristan's personality was largely inspired by Mbalia's oldest daughter.[7]

Reception

Reviews

Kirkus Reviews, in a starred review, called Tristan Strong "a worthy addition to the diverse array of offerings from Rick Riordan Presents."[8] School Library Journal, also in a starred review, said "this debut novel offers a richly realized world, a conversational, breezy style, and a satisfying conclusion that leaves room for sequels."[3] Publisher's Weekly, in another starred review, called it a "triumphant middle grade debut."[5] In a review for The New York Times, John Steves praised Mbalia's plot developments as "powerful and surprising," saying that the author "has a good ear for dialogue."[6]

Awards

The novel was a New York Times best-seller, debuting at No. 8 on the list,[2][9] and The New York Times named Tristan Strong as one of The 25 Best Children's Books of 2019.[10] In addition, the novel was a 2020 Coretta Scott King Award honor book.[11] The book received a Children's Africana Book Award (CABA) in 2020, for Best Book for Older Readers.[12]

Sequels

The sequel to Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, Tristan Strong Destroys the World, was published in October 2020.[13] A third installation in the series has been announced, and will likely release in fall 2021 or early 2022.[14]

References

  1. ^ https://ericwilkersonart.com/art-prints/tristan-strong-punches-a-hole-in-the-sky-limited-edition-print-
  2. ^ a b c Lacy, Bridgette A. (October 11, 2019). "Writer reimagines science-fiction and fantasy, bringing lesser-known characters to life". The News & Observer.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. ^ a b c Del Negro, Janice M. (November 1, 2019). "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky". School Library Journal. Retrieved 2020-12-20.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ^ "Tristan Strong Punches A Hole In The Sky by Kwame Mbalia: 9780593149560 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books". PenguinRandomhouse.com. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  5. ^ a b "Children's Book Review: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky (Tristan Strong #1) by Kwame Mbalia. Disney-Hyperion/Riordan, $17.99 (496p) ISBN 978-1-368-03993-2". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  6. ^ a b Stephens, John (2019-10-23). "A Debut Fantasy Novel Summons the Power of African Myths (Published 2019)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  7. ^ Martin, Dawn Jacobs. "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky Educator's Guide" (PDF).{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. ^ TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY | Kirkus Reviews.
  9. ^ Blue, Tiara (2020-01-06). "Kwame Mbalia gives folk heroes his own twist in bestseller". NonDoc. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  10. ^ "The 25 Best Children's Books of 2019 (Published 2019)". The New York Times. 2019-12-02. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  11. ^ JAMUNDSEN (2012-04-05). "Coretta Scott King Book Awards - All Recipients, 1970-Present". Round Tables. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  12. ^ "2020 Children's Africana Book Awards". Africa Access. 2014-02-16. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  13. ^ "Tristan Strong Destroys the World". Read Riordan. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  14. ^ "Untitled (Tristan Strong #3)". www.goodreads.com. Retrieved 2020-12-21.
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