As someone who loves mythology-based adventure series like Percy Jackson, Magnus Chase, and The Kane Chronicles, I was excited to dive into Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky. It’s part of the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, which aims to spotlight underrepresented mythologies through diverse authors—and it absolutely delivers. This book doesn’t just tell an action-packed story; it brings African American folk heroes and West African gods to life in a way that’s fresh, powerful, and deeply rooted in culture.

The main character, Tristan, is an incredibly relatable protagonist. He’s a seventh grader dealing with grief, identity, and the pressure of living up to expectations. He’s not your typical “chosen one” hero—he’s vulnerable, resistant, and doesn’t feel ready (who doesn’t feel that way at some point in their life?) That complexity makes him even more real to readers, especially middle schoolers navigating their own self-doubt. Tristan’s voice is funny, reflective, and emotionally honest. He doesn’t fall into stereotypes; instead, he reflects a full spectrum of emotions—grief, humor, frustration, and courage.

The supporting characters are equally rich. Readers meet characters like Gum Baby, a hilarious and mischievous figure pulled from African American folklore, as well as John Henry and Brer Rabbit, reimagined in ways that maintain their cultural essence while fitting them into the narrative. Mbalia weaves together characters from different cultural traditions—African American folktales and West African mythology—in a way that highlights both their individuality and their shared strength. The result is a cast that’s dynamic, authentic, and deeply engaging.

The setting is imaginative and bold. It begins in the real world—Tristan is sent to Alabama to stay with his grandparents—but quickly takes a turn into Alke, a mythical world shaped by African diasporic culture. This realm is beautifully constructed, with cities and forests that reflect the impact of both ancestral power and the legacy of slavery and struggle. The magical world is consistent and compelling, full of history and symbolism that educators and librarians will appreciate for its depth.

Cultural values are central to this book. Mbalia doesn’t just sprinkle mythology into the plot—he immerses readers in it. Readers encounter Anansi the Weaver, Nyame, and other figures from West African lore, alongside deeply rooted African American folktale characters. The way these stories blend speaks to the heritage and resilience of the African diaspora. The book addresses grief, generational trauma, and identity with sensitivity and strength, and it also centers joy, laughter, and legacy. It’s culturally rich and accurate in its depictions of language, beliefs, and customs. Most importantly, it celebrates culture without needing to explain or justify it.

From a literary standpoint, the book checks all the boxes for quality. The pacing is strong, the dialogue is witty, and the plot is packed with just enough twists to keep readers turning pages. At the same time, Tristan Strong invites deeper thinking—it asks readers to consider what makes a story powerful, how stories shape identity, and why reclaiming our narratives is an act of strength.

Connections and Follow-Up Activities

Great companion books:

• Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
• The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste
• Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi (for older readers)
• Black Panther: The Young Prince by Ronald L. Smith

Activities for classrooms and libraries:

• Mythology Mash-Up: Invite students to research a figure from mythology or folklore (from any culture) and write their own modern-day version of a myth or adventure story.
• Storytelling Circle: Use the book’s theme of “the power of story” to have students share personal or family stories in a respectful, community-building format.
• World Building Challenge: Have students map out their own mythical world, inspired by their cultural background or favorite folklore.
• Hero’s Journey Tracker: As a class, track Tristan’s journey using Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey” framework. Discuss how Tristan’s journey is both typical and unique.
• Cultural Comparison: Compare the mythologies in Tristan Strong with those in Percy Jackson or The Kane Chronicles—what values or themes are shared? What makes them distinct?

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky is a fantastic choice for upper elementary and middle school readers who love fast-paced adventure with heart. But even more than that, it’s a powerful entry point into the vastly varied African culture, storytelling, and history. For educators and librarians, it offers rich material for discussion and curriculum tie-ins—while still being the kind of book students will beg to read just one more chapter of. Whether you’re a fellow Marvel/mythology fan or just someone who loves great storytelling, this one is a must for your shelves.