Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia, Robert Venditti, and Olivia Stephens - ADVISABLE

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia, adapted by Robert Venditti, illustrated by Olivia Stephens, 128 pages, GRAPHIC NOVEL. Disney Hyperion. 2022. $22. 9781368075008

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content PG; Violence: PG (friend’s death, fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

7th grader Tristan Strong is staying with his grandparents following the traumatic loss of his friend. While there, he accidentally rips open a rift into the world, Mid Pass. He finds the inhabitants there struggling against an evil that is threatening not only MidPass but could spill over into our world. Tristan encounters Black American folk heroes, John Henry and Brer Rabbit in his quest to return home and help MidPass. To accomplish this, he must find the trickster Anansi, who may hold the key to helping both worlds. 

Loaded with adventure, the graphic novel keeps up a frenetic pace as Tristan battles foe after foe. This is a nice companion to the novel version. It’s helpful to get a visual on the iron monsters and the different facets of MidPass. The artwork is vibrant and laid out well. Those interested in Black American folk lore will enjoy this telling.

Michelle in the Middle