Tristan Strong Keeps Punching (a Tristan Strong Novel, Book 3) - by Kwame Mbalia

About the Book

"After reuniting with Ayanna, who is now in his world, Tristan travels up the Mississippi in pursuit of his archenemy, King Cotton. Along the way they encounter new haints who are dead set on preventing their progress north to Tristan's hometown of Chicago. It's going to take many Alkean friends, including the gods themselves, the black flames of the afokena gloves, and all of Tristan's inner strength to deliver justice once and for all."--

Book Synopsis

Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents the finale of Kwame Mbalia's trilogy, in which Tristan Strong faces off with his archenemy, King Cotton, once and for all.

"Imagine if you combined Anansi the Spider, John Henry, and Marvel into, like, one book."--New York Times best-selling author and Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander

After reuniting with Ayanna, who is now in his world, Tristan travels up the Mississippi in pursuit of his archenemy, King Cotton. Along the way they encounter new haints who are dead set on preventing their progress north to Tristan's hometown of Chicago. It's going to take many Alkean friends, including the gods themselves, the black flames of the afokena gloves, and all of Tristan's inner strength to deliver justice once and for all.

Shocking twists, glorious triumphs, and a cast of unforgettable characters make this series conclusion as satisfying as it is entertaining.

Endorsed by Rick Riordan, author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, soon to be a series on Disney+.

Complete your middle grade fantasy collection with these best-selling fan favorites:

• Rick Riordan Presents: Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
• Rick Riordan Presents: City of the Plague God by Sarwat Chadda
• Rick Riordan Presents: Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee
• Rick Riordan Presents: Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
• The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan

Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY

Coretta Scott King Honor Winner!

New York Times Best Seller!

"In a lifetime full of highlights, I have to say that helping to publish this book is right up at the top!"
--Rick Riordan, New York Times #1 best-selling author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series

"A brilliant action adventure rooted in African American lore."
--New York Times best-selling author Jason Reynolds

"Imagine if you combined Anansi the spider, John Henry, and Marvel into like, one book."
--Kwame Alexander, New York Times best-selling author and Newbery Medalist

"Tristan Strong is a gift to the world."
--#1 New York Times best-selling author Nic Stone, author of Dear Martin

"Tristan Strong is a her to root for, a hero whose true strength is found in the indelible power of memory and story."
--J. C. Cervantes, New York Times best-selling author of The Storm Runner series

"A Marvelous Achievement."
--Daniel Jose Older, New York Times best-selling author of Shadowshaper

"Tristan Strong will punch a hole in your heart. I lived this book-an epic blend of fantasy, action, and mythology."
--Eoin Colfer, New York Times best-selling author of the Artemis Fowl series

★"A worthy addition to the diverse array of offerings from Rick Riordan Presents."
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

★"Overall a stellar mix of the playful and the serious, the traditional and the original, this novel marks the emergence of a strong new voice in myth-based children's fantasy."
--BCCB (starred review)

★"It brims with heart, humor, and action, successfully crafting a beautifully unified secondary world that brings the power of stories to glorious life."
--Booklist (starred review)

★"Tristan's voice rings true and sympathetic, while the irrepressible Gum Baby steals every scene."
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

★"Mbalia returns with a sequel as impressive and even more compelling."
--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)

PRAISE FOR TRISTAN STRONG DESTROYS THE WORLD

New York Times Best Seller!

★"Packs a punch."
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

★ "Alternately humorous and heartbreaking, this installment sees Tristan entering a dramatic new chapter of his saga that will leave readers eager for more."
--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

★ "Mbalia returns with a sequel as impressive and even more compelling, offering all the power-packed goodness of the previous volume, with well-plotted pacing and a quick-witted narrative voice."
--BCCB (starred review)

"Mbalia's universe continues to excite through sheer conceptual brilliance, nonstop action and adventure, and--let's be honest--the comical aggression of sidekick god Gum Baby."
--Booklist

"Mbalia's stunning landscapes, suspenseful action sequences, and well-paced story line--including questions of how our stories can create but also destroy--will keep readers enthralled to the very end."
--Horn Book

About the Author

Kwame Mbalia is the New York Times best-selling author of Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky, for which he received a Coretta Scott King Author Honor award. The book was also named to best-of-the-year lists compiled by Publishers Weekly, the Chicago Public Library, and the New York Times. The second book in the trilogy is Tristan Strong Destroys the World, and Tristan Strong Keeps Punching is the third. Kwame also co-wrote Last Gate of the Emperor with Prince Joel Makonnen and edited the instant New York Times best-seller Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood. Kwame lives with his wife and children near Raleigh, North Carolina, where he is currently working several projects, including a new middle grade series. Follow him on Twitter @KSekouM.