Parents' Guide to Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky: The Graphic Novel

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

Common Sense Media Review

Michael Berry By Michael Berry , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

Graphic adaptation matches power of original.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

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 ...

  • Families 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

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

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