
Rick Riordan Presents: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, The Graphic Novel
Praise for Rick Riordan Presents: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, The Graphic Novel
"This graphic adaptation of Kwame Mbalia's groundbreaking adventure fantasy hits all the major plot points. . . . Venditti's adaptation is an impressive feat of storytelling efficiency and artist Stephens visualizes . . . many memorable characters . . . The original's popularity will have readers queuing up for their turn with this version, and the graphic-novel space remains in desperate need of more Black representation. Stock up."—Booklist
"This graphic adaptation of the children's novel that began the 'Tristan Strong' trilogy will have plenty of appeal for readers who are interested in African and African American characters and folklore. The illustrations pop with energy and color, and the off-kilter panels will pull readers into the surreal story. The creative reimagining of classic folktale characters will keep readers entertained, and may also inspire them to learn more about the originals. For fans of Rick Riordan-style mythology stories, this features plenty of action and diverse characters."—School Library Journal
PRAISE FOR TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY
*"Mbalia's African American and West African gods (with villains tied to U.S. chattel slavery and the Middle Passage specifically) touch on the tensions between the cultures, a cultural nuance oft overlooked. Readers who want more than just a taste of Alke will be eager for future books. A worthy addition to the diverse array of offerings from Rick Riordan Presents."—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
PRAISE FOR TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY
*"Overall a stellar mix of the playful and the serious, the traditional and the original, this novel marks the emergence of a strong new voice in myth-based children’s fantasy."—BCCB (starred review)
PRAISE FOR TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY
*"Perfectly paced, this cinematic adventure never drags, anchored by Tristan’s conversational narration and balanced by his struggle to cope with a friend’s passing. It brims with heart, humor, and action, successfully crafting a beautifully unified secondary world that brings the power of stories to glorious life."—Booklist (starred review)
PRAISE FOR TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY
*"Tristan’s voice rings true and sympathetic, while the irrepressible Gum Baby steals every scene. Mbalia expertly weaves a meaningful portrayal of family and community with folklore, myth, and history—including the legacy of the slave trade—creating a fast-paced, heroic series starter."—Publishers Weekly (starred review)