(2) 4-6 In the sequel to CSK honoree Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky (rev. 7/20), Tristan once again finds himself responsible for saving Alke from destruction. This time, however, the stakes are even higher, as the fate of Alke is intricately intertwined with the fate of the real world. A month after Tristan's return to his family's farm in Alabama, a mysterious monster called the Shamble Man abducts Tristan's grandmother and takes her back to Alke. Tristan is determined to save her, so he embarks on an adventure that will again challenge his hero identity and force him to consider a difficult truth: although he did previously save Alke, he was also the one who created the danger. Fans of the first novel will enjoy this sequel, as familiar characters, such as Gum Baby and Ayanna, populate the story and new African and African American gods, such as Keelboat Annie and Mami Wata, are introduced. 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.

Reviewer: S. R. Toliver | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2021

(3) 4-6 Tristan's pursuit of Gum Baby, who has stolen Tristan's deceased friend's journal, leads him to the land of Alke, where--amid a series of perilous adventures--he discovers his own power as an Anansesem, or storyteller. This action-packed tale weaves in African and African American folklore, while sensitive Tristan's first-person narration provides humor as well as insight into grief, guilt, and racial issues.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2020