Books in the series Tristan Strong

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky is an electrifying middle grade fantasy that masterfully blends African American folklore with West African mythology. Seventh-grader Tristan Strong is struggling with the loss of his best friend when he is sent to his grandparents' farm in Alabama to heal. However, his life takes a supernatural turn when he accidentally rips a hole into the MidPass—a world filled with burning seas, iron monsters, and legendary figures like John Henry and Brer Rabbit. Tristan must find the courage to become a hero and bargain with the trickster god Anansi to save both worlds.

This epic adventure is perfect for children who love Percy Jackson or Black Panther. It offers a rich, diverse narrative that explores themes of grief, the power of storytelling, and finding one's inner strength. Ideal for readers interested in mythology and high-stakes quests, this book is a great choice for middle schoolers looking for a fast-paced, emotionally resonant story.

Highlights:

• Features a unique blend of African American folk heroes and West African gods.
• A powerful exploration of grief and healing through a fantastical lens.
• Fast-paced action and high-stakes adventure that keeps readers engaged.
• Perfect for fans of Rick Riordan and diverse mythology-based stories.

Tristan Strong is back in this high-stakes sequel that masterfully blends African American folklore with West African mythology. After his first adventure in Alke, Tristan is struggling with the weight of his experiences, but he doesn't have much time to heal. When his grandmother is kidnapped by a mysterious new villain seeking revenge, Tristan must return to the magical realm to save her. Alongside the feisty Gum Baby and the clever Anansi—who is now a 'web developer' inside Tristan’s phone—Tristan embarks on a journey that is as much about healing broken souls as it is about epic battles.

This book is perfect for children who love Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series and are looking for a story that combines intense action with deep emotional resonance. It is an ideal choice for readers interested in diverse mythologies and stories that tackle real-world issues like trauma and heritage within a fantastical setting. Kwame Mbalia’s writing is fast-paced, humorous, and conceptually brilliant, making it a great choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy immersive world-building and relatable heroes.

Highlights:

• Explores rich African American folk heroes and West African gods in a modern context.
• A powerful and nuanced look at processing trauma and the importance of family bonds.
• Features the return of fan-favorite characters like the hilariously aggressive Gum Baby.
• Non-stop action and adventure that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

In the thrilling conclusion to the Tristan Strong trilogy, Tristan faces his greatest challenge yet. After reuniting with Ayanna, he must travel up the Mississippi River to his hometown of Chicago to confront his archenemy, King Cotton, in a final showdown. This action-packed adventure is perfect for children who love the Percy Jackson series and are looking for a story that masterfully weaves together African American folklore and West African mythology. Readers will encounter legendary figures like Anansi the Spider and John Henry as Tristan learns to harness the power of his afokena gloves and his own inner strength.

Kwame Mbalia delivers a masterpiece of middle-grade fantasy that is ideal for readers interested in diverse stories and epic quests. As Tristan battles haints and navigates the complexities of his own heritage, the book explores deep themes of justice, grief, and the power of storytelling. It is a great choice for fans of high-stakes fantasy who enjoy seeing modern-day heroes interact with ancient gods. This finale provides a satisfying and emotional end to a beloved series that has captivated readers worldwide.

Highlights:

• The epic and satisfying conclusion to the best-selling Tristan Strong trilogy.
• A unique blend of African American history, folklore, and West African mythology.
• Fast-paced action sequences featuring gods, monsters, and legendary heroes.
• Powerful character development focusing on courage, identity, and resilience.