Families who loved Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with a heavy loss or feeling the weight of a secret guilt they cannot quite put into words. It is particularly resonant for middle schoolers who feel pressured to be strong but are internally struggling with grief. The story follows Tristan, a young boy grieving his best friend, who accidentally opens a portal to a world where African American folklore and West African gods are real and under threat. While the adventure is fast-paced and epic, the heart of the narrative is about Tristan learning that sharing his story is a form of healing. It masterfully weaves together themes of personal resilience with cultural heritage, offering a path for children to see their own struggles reflected in legendary heroes. This is a powerful choice for parents looking to normalize complicated emotions like survivor's guilt while providing a high-stakes, imaginative escape.
