Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky follows seventh-grader Tristan Strong as he grapples with the loss of his best friend and his failure at his first boxing match. During a stay at his grandparents' Alabama farm, Tristan accidentally opens a portal to a world where African American folk heroes and West African gods exist as real beings. In this mythological realm, Tristan teams up with legendary figures like John Henry and Brer Rabbit to restore order to a world in chaos. His journey involves learning to harness the power of stories while facing creatures from African and African American folklore. The novel combines elements of African American folk tales, West African mythology, and contemporary middle-grade adventure. It represents the first installment in the Tristan Strong series published under Rick Riordan Presents, featuring nearly 500 pages of action and cultural storytelling. The book explores themes of grief, legacy, and the power of storytelling traditions while highlighting the importance of cultural heritage and personal resilience.

Readers connect with the personal grief and growth of protagonist Tristan Strong while appreciating the fresh take on African and African American folklore. Many note how the book helps fill a gap in middle-grade fantasy featuring Black characters and mythology. Likes: - Complex characters who deal with real emotions - Educational exposure to African/African American folklore - Action scenes and pacing - Humor throughout the story - Audio narration by Amir Abdullah Dislikes: - Some find the plot confusing with too many characters introduced quickly - A few readers note the story takes time to build momentum - Complex mythology can be hard for younger readers to follow Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (14,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (2,800+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 "The perfect blend of Percy Jackson-style adventure and African American folk tales," writes one Amazon reviewer. Another notes: "My 11-year-old couldn't put it down but needed help understanding some of the folklore references."

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan A modern teenager discovers his connection to Greek mythology and must navigate a world of gods, monsters, and epic quests to prevent cosmic disaster.

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi A middle school student unlocks an ancient Indian curse and must enter the Otherworld to stop demons from awakening the God of Destruction.

The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya A Cuban-American boy works to save his family's restaurant while learning about his heritage through his grandmother's stories and Jose Marti's poetry.

Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee A teenage fox spirit uses her magical abilities to search for her missing brother through space while uncovering secrets about an ancient artifact.

Storm Runner by Jennifer Cervantes A thirteen-year-old boy with a leg difference discovers his connection to Maya mythology and must prevent the awakening of ancient gods.

🥊 The concept of Tristan as a boxer pays homage to African American boxing legends, connecting modern sports culture with folkloric storytelling traditions. 🎭 John Henry, one of the characters in the book, was inspired by a real African American steel-driver from the 1800s whose legendary feats against a steam drill became a symbol of human dignity in the face of industrialization. 📚 Brer Rabbit, another character featured in the story, originates from African folktales that were brought to America during slavery and became central to African American oral traditions. 🌍 The mythical realm of Alke draws inspiration from the Akan people of Ghana's concept of "ananse," which represents both storytelling and divine wisdom. 🏆 The book won a Coretta Scott King Honor in 2020, recognizing its outstanding contribution to children's literature that demonstrates an appreciation of African American culture and values.