Rick Riordan Presents: Tristan Strong Destroys the WorldA Tristan Strong Novel, Book 2

Product Description Bestselling author Rick Riordan presents the second book in the New York Times best-selling and award-winning Tristan Strong trilogy by Kwame Mbalia.Mbalias universe continues to excite through sheer conceptual brilliance, nonstop action and adventure, and--lets be honest--the comical aggression of sidekick god Gum Baby.--BooklistTristan Strong, just back from a victorious but exhausting adventure in Alke, the land of African American folk heroes and African gods, is suffering from PTSD. But theres no rest for the weary when his grandmother is abducted by a mysterious villain out for revenge.Tristan must return to Alke--and reunite with his loud-mouthed sidekick, Gum Baby--in order to rescue Nana and stop the culprit from creating further devastation. Anansi, now a web developer in Tristans phone, is close at hand to offer advice, and several new folk heroes will aid Tristan in his quest, but he will only succeed if he can figure out a way to sew broken souls back together.*Well-paced--just like the previous installment--this sequel focuses on themes such as the meaning of diaspora and the effects of trauma, making for a more nuanced and stronger story than the first. Packs a punch.--Kirkus (starred review)While perfect for middle schoolers, this book has enough depth to be enjoyed by older readers, too. Review Mbalias universe continues to excite through sheer conceptual brilliance, nonstop action and adventure, and--lets be honest--the comical aggression of sidekick god Gum Baby.BooklistThe world building of this series is truly spectacular and easily comparable to the best titles in childrens literature.Nerds and Beyond*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. A stunning conclusion will leave readers breathless and eager for the next installment.Bulletin of the Center for Childrens Books (starred review)*Well-paced--just like the previous installment--this sequel focuses on themes such as the meaning of diaspora and the effects of trauma, making for a more nuanced and stronger story than the first. Packs a punch.Kirkus Reviews (starred review)PRAISE FOR TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKYA brilliant action adventure rooted in African American lore.New York Times best-selling author Jason ReynoldsPRAISE FOR TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY*Mbalias African American and West African gods (with villains tied to U.S. chattel slavery and the Middle Passage specifically) touch on the tensions between the cultures, a cultural nuance oft overlooked. Readers who want more than just a taste of Alke will be eager for future books. A worthy addition to the diverse array of offerings from Rick Riordan Presents.Kirkus (starred review)PRAISE FOR TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY*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 childrens fantasy.BCCB (starred review)PRAISE FOR TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY*Perfectly paced, this cinematic adventure never drags, anchored by Tristans conversational narration and balanced by his struggle to cope with a friends passing. 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)PRAISE FOR TRISTAN STRONG PUNCHES A HOLE IN THE SKY*Tristans voice rings true and sympathetic, while the irrepressible Gum Baby steals every scene. Mbalia expertly weaves a meaningful portrayal of family and community with folklore, myth, and historyincluding the legacy of the slave tradecreating a fast-paced, heroic series starter.Publishers Weekly (starred review)