Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky: The Graphic Novel
#1 of 3 in Tristan Strong Series
on Goodreads (260)
What’s inside...
The best-selling and awarding-winning novel about a Black boy who helps folk heroes and gods through storytelling is now a dynamic graphic novel!
The talented team of Robert Venditti and Olivia Stephens brings to glorious full color the novel that best-selling author Jason Reynolds called "A brilliant action adventure rooted in African American lore."
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? Find out by diving into this stunning graphic novel adaptation of the original book.
Complete your graphic novel collection with these fan favorites:
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Why read this book
- Captivating graphic adaptation of a popular children's novel.
- Encourages resilience and cultural awareness through storytelling.
- Supports development of reader's empathy and creativity.
- Visually engaging artwork enhances reading comprehension.
Character compass
Tristan Strong
Ayanna
Gum Baby
Brer Rabbit
High John
John Henry
Anansi
Discussion points
What challenges did Tristan face and how did he overcome them? What can we learn from his resilience?
Discuss the significance of the myths and folklore in the story. How do they shape Tristan’s journey?
How do Tristan’s relationships with other characters influence his actions and decisions? What does this tell us about the importance of community and friendship?
What role does courage play in the novel? Can you share a time when you had to be courageous?
How did the setting impact the story? What unique aspects about the world in the book did you find most intriguing?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that prompt deeper thinking and connections to personal experiences. This encourages reflective thinking and personal growth.
Discuss the importance of heritage and culture as depicted in the book, relating it to your child’s understanding of their own culture.
Identify and praise elements of character development such as bravery, resilience, and problem-solving which are pertinent to your child’s own world.
Create a comfortable environment for discussion, perhaps after a shared reading session, where thoughts and questions can flow naturally.
Relate themes from the book to real-world scenarios to help your child see the relevance of the narrative in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Tristan Strong displays resilience and perseverance throughout his journey, facing challenges head-on and overcoming various obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up, even when faced with difficult situations, helping them develop a resilient mindset that can aid in academic and personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout his adventures, Tristan finds strength and support in his friends, showcasing how teamwork and collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and nurture relationships, promoting teamwork skills that are essential for cooperative activities at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: The story integrates African and African American folklore, encouraging readers to respect and appreciate various cultures and their histories.
Real-World Application: Children are urged to explore and embrace diverse cultures, enhancing their social awareness and contributing to a more inclusive community.
Example Lesson: Overcoming fears
Explanation: Tristan confronts his fears in order to triumph and grow, which is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of facing their own fears and anxieties, teaching them courage and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Understanding and processing grief
Explanation: As Tristan deals with the loss of his friend, the story explores themes of grief and healing.
Real-World Application: Children learn healthy ways to process emotions and grief, providing them with coping mechanisms for loss and sadness in real life.