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Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky: The Graphic Novel
By Michael Berry,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Graphic adaptation matches power of original.
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What's the Story?
As TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY opens, the Black middle-schooler travels from Chicago to his grandparents' farm in Alabama. Still grieving the death of his best friend Eddie, Tristan chases a thief who steals Eddie's diary. Tristan is so mad he punches the sky, unleashing horfeds of monsters that threaten the entire world of Mid-Pass.
Is It Any Good?
Some books are made to be adapted for comics, and this series shows its appropriateness from the get-go. Tristan Stronng is a reluctant hero for our times -- thoughtful, brave, and respectful of the past. Olivia Stephens's illustrations are alive with kinetic energy, and Robert Venditti's adaptation is smooth and nuanced. Tristan Strong Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky: The Graphic Novel is graphic storytelling at its best.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Familes can talk about how Tristan Strong Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky: The Graphic Novel has been adapted for the graphic format. What effects are possible in comics that aren't available in prose alone?
Why is storytelling so important to every culture? What can we learn from mythology and folklore?
How has the history of slavery affected the stories African Americans tell?
Book Details
- Author: Kwame Mbalia
- Illustrator: Olivia Stephens
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Superheroes , Great Boy Role Models , History
- Character Strengths: Courage , Perseverance
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
- Publication date: May 3, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 10 - 16
- Number of pages: 196
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: August 31, 2022
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