Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky: The Graphic Novel

Gr 4-7–Tristan Strong is living with grief and guilt because he survived a bus accident that killed his best friend, Eddie. When he is sent down to stay at his grandparents’ farm in Alabama, he brings Eddie’s journal along, but he doesn’t realize until it’s too late that this journal makes him a target. Soon Tristan meets many of the characters from his grandmother’s folktales, such as Brer Rabbit, John Henry, and Anansi the spider, and he finds himself in the middle of a battle that could destroy the world. 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 reimaginings of classic folktale characters will keep readers entertained, and may also inspire them to learn more about the originals.