Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

Tristan Strong, Book 1

By: Kwame Mbalia

Narrated by: Amir Abdullah

Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents Kwame Mbalia's epic fantasy, a middle grade American Gods set in a richly-imagined world populated with African American folk heroes and West African gods.

Seventh grader Tristan Strong feels anything but strong ever since he failed to save his best friend when they were in a bus accident together. All he has left of Eddie is the journal his friend wrote stories in. Tristan is dreading the month he's going to spend on his grandparents' farm in Alabama, where he's being sent to heal from the tragedy. But on his first night there, a sticky creature shows up in his bedroom and steals Eddie's notebook. Tristan chases after it - is that a doll? - and a tug-of-war ensues between them underneath a Bottle Tree. In a last attempt to wrestle the journal out of the creature's hands, Tristan punches the tree, accidentally ripping open a chasm into the MidPass, a volatile place with a burning sea, haunted bone ships, and iron monsters that are hunting the inhabitants of this world.

Tristan finds himself in the middle of a battle that has left black American folk heroes John Henry and Brer Rabbit exhausted. In order to get back home, Tristan and these new allies will need to entice the god Anansi, the Weaver, to come out of hiding and seal the hole in the sky. But bartering with the trickster Anansi always comes at a price. Can Tristan save this world before he loses more of the things he loves?

©2019 Kwame Mbalia (P)2019 Listening Library

The book I didn’t know I needed.

Reading this epic tale infused with Black American Folk tales and African mythology was a transformative experience. Mbalia was able to infused a story of a young Black boy growing up and dealing with grief, trauma, handling expectations, and eventually becoming the person he’s always wanted to be. This is a must read for lover of YA fiction, Black Stories, any sci-fi lovers

Awesome!

That was such an awesome story! I was so engrossed throughout the whole thing.
Loved the narrator! I will definitely be getting the rest of the series!

Loved it.

Highly recommended reading for young people and adults. Anyone looking for something really good to read for African-American history month this is it. Great action, the history is just amazing and African-American folklore and traditions as described by the author is just spell bounding.

Enjoyed Audible's Tristan over reading it myself

I started reading this book but ended up listening to it through Audible instead which was much more enjoyable. The narrator was great and made the story come to life. The topic of losing a loved one tragically and working through that as a youth is well woven throughout. Tristan's story of learning who he is and realizing he has something to contribute can be a great encouragement to any teen/tween who have the same struggles.

a gray tree telling of many old stories

a fascinating group of stories woven from familiar childhood Tales with the African myths on which they were probably based woven through them. Well worth the listen and something most adolescents could benefit from hearing. I will look forward to book 2

Fantastic story and brilliant narration

The story is exciting, lyrical, and stealthily educational. Perhaps one of the best narrators I’ve ever heard, with distinct, excellent voices for each character. Gum Baby is my favorite!

Pure Enjoyment

This was an amazing tale! From start to finish, I was glued to this audiobook. I was hard pressed to get in a listen every moment that I could. It makes me want to tell the next story.

There once lived a man that knew no limits...

The narrator was amazing and really compliments this book. His ability to get into each character was so amazing and appreciated. I look forward to absorbing the other offerings from both the Author and Narrator. Great Freaking Job!!! 🙌🏿🤴🏿📚

awesome

This story was amazing. We listened to it on our trip from Missouri to Alabama and it was perfect. Amir Abdullah was on of the best narrators I have listened to ever. and if you are like me that makes or breaks a book on audible. So the book is awesome and the narration took this story to another level.

Loved it!

I didn't want to put it down. Great book for adults or for young people.

exceptional!

the writing was exceptional and the narration is the best we've ever heard. my daughter and I loved listening to every moment!