73 pages • 2 hours read
Kwame MbaliaTristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2019A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
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
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 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.