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Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky | Kwame Mbalia
64 posts | 45 read | 42 to read
Seventh-grader Tristan Strong tumbles into the MidPass and, with allies John Henry and Brer Rabbit, must entice the god Anansi to come out of hiding and seal the hole Tristan accidentally ripped in the sky.
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quote
miles.bryant

“So what if it glowed? It was still a book, and reading it would be better than listening to any more of Granddad's insults disguised as life lessons. Or reliving that bus accident. I mean, really, what could go wrong?“

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miles.bryant

This piece of speculative fiction has many good uses in the classroom. It has a focus on guilt and recovery after losing a close friend/ loved one. This could be something that a student or even adult can connect to. The story also has a main character that is not White. This is important because classroom libraries should have an array of stories with characters of different cultures, ways of life, and other social roles that people identify with

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miles.bryant
Pickpick

This book is also speculative fiction. The story follows the main character, Tristan Strong, who is struggling with the guilt after he was unable to save his best friend in a bus accident. During this time of guilt he accidently creates a rift with his unknown powers to a parallel world where the myths are real. He must discover his abilities to save the people of this new world.

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BarbaraJean
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Pickpick

Loved this! A thoroughly enjoyable adventure weaving together African American and West African mythologies, from John Henry and Brer Rabbit to Anansi. It‘s spot on with its humor and adventure... and a likable main character working through grief and insecurities as he comes into his own as a hero. And the audio is just fantastic—so glad I waited for that Libby hold to come through! Another great #NewYearWhoDis pick from @MeganAnn 😊

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bibliobard
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Pickpick

Here is the final picture of my #BookSpinBingo for January. I read 12 books, both my #BookSpin and #DoubleSpin but alas no Bingo this month. I can‘t wait to see how February shapes out — I did some last minute tweaking on that list so the bingo card is ready to go!

I finished on a high note too. Tristan Strong was a super fun and delightful read that I am shocked to say I might enjoy MORE than PJO 🤯

TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! Great month!! 3y
15 likes1 comment
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TaraTLK
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Really enjoyed this portal fantasy of a kid sent to another realm to get his friend's journal back who discovers the folks in the stories he's been hearing are real, but also the tear that brought him there, means they are all under attack now.

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ImperfectCJ
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1. My sister (who's a package deal with my niece).
2. Thankful that my family/household has the luxury of skipping all outside activities even though our local government lacks the will to cancel them, and that we're already accustomed to holidays on our own so it doesn't feel like a loss to be away from extended family and friends.

#ThankfulThursday @Cosmos_Moon

Harley_Quinn Would love to spend time with Laurell K Hamilton 3y
35 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Bookgoil
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Getting a late start on #24b4monday #readathon @Andrew65

I probably only read about 3-4 hours yesterday but I plan to read literally all day today and tomorrow. Have my audio in for an hour already of Tristan Strong.

Andrew65 Good luck 😊👍 4y
21 likes1 comment
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DrexEdit
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Pickpick

Based on African and African American myths and lore, I found this YA novel to be a quick and bracing read. Like Harry Potter, you don‘t need to fully know or understand the mythological background stories to enjoy this action/fantasy story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

DrexEdit Plus it has terrific endsheet maps! 🗺😊 4y
28 likes1 stack add1 comment
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bookandbedandtea
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Pickpick

It's hard to believe this is a debut novel! I can't wait to read more from this author. Tristan's journey through Alke was one adventure after another and it was filled with memorable characters. I had some familiarity with several of these myths but some were new to me which prompted me to stop periodically and research. (I love that!) My only quibble is that I wish it was illustrated.

33 likes1 stack add
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bookandbedandtea
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The endpapers/ #bookmap in this book are beautiful. So is the imagery. "Anansi's table was outlined by a snippet of a fable. A bed was covered in a spread made of lullabies. The cooking pots and the kettle were rimmed with opening prayers." ?

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MandaMT
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Pickpick

This was one of my favorite reads this summer. Not only is it funny and action packed, but Mbalia also skillfully weaves African American and African mythology together. I was impressed with the bold imagery. The first foes Tristan fights are “Fetterlings”- which are essentially slave shackles that move on their own like snakes. Other creatures are reminiscent of slave ships. The final villain at the end made my jaw drop. 👇

MandaMT As an adult reader, the allusions were very clear. I‘m interested to hear some students‘ /kids‘ takes on it. Could be a very interesting jumping off point for conversations about culture or the history of slavery. I learned a lot by looking up characters and stories that I hadn‘t heard of before. Supporting characters include John Henry, Brer Rabbit and representatives from ‘The People Could Fly‘, as well as Anansi, Nyame and High John. 4y
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ImperfectCJ
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Pickpick

There's a way this type of middle-grade adventure is written that doesn't appeal to me. It's like the plot is broken up into blocks which are set one after the other; the seams are still visible. But for a story like this, it's sufficient, and I do very much enjoy the rivalry between the African gods and the New World gods Mbalia has set up. My 11-year-old likes the book, and his is the review that counts anyway.
#bookspinbingo

TheBookAddict Is it the first in the series? 4y
TheBookAddict Awesome, thank you! 4y
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ImperfectCJ @TheBookAddict No problem! I'm going to let my son's interest guide me in my decision to read Book 2 or not. 4y
TheBookAddict 🙂👍🏽 I haven‘t read any books by Riordan, but I think it‘s about time I do. It‘s just a matter of deciding which to go with first since there are so many. 😆 4y
ImperfectCJ @TheBookAddict There are definitely a lot! My favorite Riordan series is the original Percy Jackson series, but I have a thing for Greek mythology. I think the Kane Chronicles is my son's favorite. 4y
TheBookAddict I like Greek mythology as well, I have since I was a kid. I may have to go with Percy Jackson. 4y
51 likes7 comments
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ImperfectCJ
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My teen is putting her climate values where her mouth is (or vice versa?) by preparing our family a three-course, nearly-vegan dinner while I try to strike a balance between micromanaging and being available for help (if needed) by alternately reading the tagged book and photographing her progress.

Kenyazero I love this. Sounds like a fun evening! 4y
rubyslippersreads Looks delicious! 4y
Chrissyreadit Share the recipe! 4y
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litenthusiast That is such a good idea, and it looks delicious. 4y
ImperfectCJ @Chrissyreadit I just remembered that I blogged about the crisp in 2011: https://imperfecthappiness.org/2011/10/09/the-apple-crisp-and-beach-trip-anniver... The one my daughter made subbed out three peaches and five plums for the apples. It was a hit! 4y
ImperfectCJ I should also say that she used as many local ingredients as she could...we even ventured to the farmers market for ingredients (my first food-shopping trip since March)! She made tossed salad, zucchini fritters (not vegan), and the peach-plun crisp. 4y
Chrissyreadit Yummmm! Thank you! 4y
65 likes7 comments
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ImperfectCJ
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"There was a rhythm in my fists."

#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl

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oddandbookish
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Pickpick

So first off I just want to say that it is incredibly refreshing to read a book about mythology that isn‘t Greek. I know very little about African/African American mythology so it was fun to learn about it through reading this book.

Full review: https://oddandbookish.wordpress.com/2020/07/24/review-tristan-strong-punches-a-h...

heikemarie In YA, Children of Blood and Bone has great inclusion of African mythology. For MG, I‘d recommend the Akata Witch series by Nnedi Okorafor. For an adult fantasy, Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James is awesome. (edited) 4y
27 likes2 comments
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LibrarianRyan
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@WanderingBookaneer has challenged me to post my top 6 books of the year so far. This was a bit hard as I have not read as much as I normally do. My #CovidVaycay was a complete bomb when it came to reading.

These are my top reviewed or ones that stuck with me long after. 3 middle grades, 2 YA, and 1 adult.

Hey @MrBook, @trashcanman @sarahreadstoomuch are you willing to show me your #Top6reads?

thestarlesscasea Red, White, and Royal Blue 🤩 4y
Zoes_Human I'm not even remotely a romance reader, but I loved Red, White, and Royal Blue. 4y
Sarahreadstoomuch Ooh I‘m going to have to think on this! Also, I LOVED Red, White, and Royal Blue! 4y
Addison_Reads I loved Tristan Strong! 💚 4y
71 likes1 stack add4 comments
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xicanti
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Did some #audiopuzzling. This VW vans collage puzzle is super fun.

Likewise, this book. 10-year-old Me would‘ve been totally obsessed with it. Unfortunately, while Adult Me‘s enjoying the story, the narration‘s frustrating. Amir Abdullah does great character work but belongs to the, “SHOUT the dialogue; deliver the narration in an undertone” school of performance. Y‘all know how much poor volume modulation bothers me.

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Johanna414
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Covering my dad's antique shop today, and it hasn't been very busy which means I get to sit on the porch and read!
I forgot to post my goals for the #JoysofJune readathon yesterday, but I'm going to try to finish 6 books @Andrew65

Andrew65 Win win! 👍😊 4y
43 likes1 comment
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Addison_Reads
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Pickpick

Awesome read!

This was such a fun book to read full of incredible characters and lots of action. I'm a sucker for retellings and I love books based on folktales or mythology, and this book is an excellent example of why I love retellings. 💚 I can't wait to read the next one.

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DGRachel
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Pickpick

So. Much. Fun! This book was an absolute joy to read. Tristan Strong is mourning the loss of his best friend and gets sent to his grandparents‘ farm in Alabama. One night, Gum Baby steals his friend‘s journal, Tristan gives chase, tears a hole between worlds and adventure ensues. Full of gods, folk heroes, and other wonderful characters, this book is all the heart, hope , and healing that stories and storytellers bring us.

TrishB Lovely review ♥️ 4y
JaclynW Great review ! 4y
62 likes1 stack add2 comments
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DGRachel
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Oh, how I relate to this. I‘ve always been a city girl and I had trouble sleeping when I moved to Blowing Rock, NC because the darkness surrounding the house I rented was like a thick blanket. When I finally moved to Charlotte, I got the best night‘s sleep I‘d had in 2 years, with street lamps illuminating my bedroom. 😴

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TracyReadsBooks
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Pickpick

A thoroughly enjoyable middle grade adventure inspired by West African and African American legend that is all about courage, believing in yourself and, above all, the power of stories—to unite, to divide, to inspire, to inform, to harm, & to record our histories. Filled with fantastic characters—Gum Baby in particular not to mention ruthless villains, tricksters & heroes coming into their own—adventure & danger, this is a fun, engaging book.

22 likes1 stack add
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TracyReadsBooks
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“Stories are powerful magic.”

Truth

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TracyReadsBooks
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I started this book in the fall when we added it to the library. I read the first 5 chapters, loved it and knew I had to preview it for students. Well, once I did the book flew off the shelves and I wasn‘t able to finish it—#goodproblem! To solve the problem I picked up my own copy. Up next...and I‘m anticipating a fantastic middle grade adventure if the first 5 chapters are anything to go by!

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alisiakae
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Reading vicariously through Maya. She‘s keeping me company on the couch while I work. Aaron also went in to the hospital today to check in on some patients. Yay vacation. It certainly isn‘t Yosemite and San Fran, but we‘re making do.

One year ago this week I spent spring break vacation having a hysterectomy and endometriosis excision from my bladder and other areas. This was supposed to be the year we made up for that one. 😢 ⬇️⬇️

alisiakae But on a positive note, I have been symptom free for a whole year! #endowarrior I will never forget how supportive everyone was during that time while I was dealing with post-surgery complications. 💞 4y
jmtrivera Your next vacation better be an absolute paradise! You have earned it! 💜 4y
TrishB Aww ❤️ next year now 🤞🏻🤞🏻 4y
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Cathythoughts Better days are ahead 👍🏻❤️❤️✨ 4y
Lindy 🌷 🌱Glad to hear you've been symptom-free. 🌷 4y
Velvetfur Sorry to hear of how bad things were (I did a lot of endo research when the docs thought I had it, turned out I didn't), but glad to hear you've been free of symptoms since then! Good for you 👍 Next Summer will be an even bigger celebration 😊 💜 4y
alisiakae @jmtrivera I will make it so! Probably not till 2021 though the way things are going. I don‘t think we‘ll be taking a summer vacation this year either. 4y
alisiakae @Velvetfur I hope so! Next summer will hopefully be a huge Israel/Jordan/Egypt/Greece trip, unless Covid forces is to postpone Maya‘s Nov bat mitzvah. 🤞🤞 4y
CaliforniaCay Thank you for sharing this part of your life. I literally just had my hysterectomy 3 days ago! (Fibroids for me) and am already feeling better, looking forward to being fully healed though 🤗 4y
CaliforniaCay I find a huge comfort in hearing from others who have been there 💚 4y
alisiakae @CaliforniaCay best wishes for a speedy recovery! It took my a good 6-8 weeks to feel completely back to normal, but I had a complication (the surgeon nicked my bladder, so I went home with a catheter for 2 wks). Has FL not put a restriction on non-emergent surgical procedures? I‘m amazed you were able to have surgery during this time! Have you found the forum HysterSisters? 4y
CaliforniaCay Sounds scary, but glad you got the problem resolved eventually. Luckily I didn't have to go home with a catheter. I'm in Ca and luckily my Dr. recommended me getting the surgery when she did before they end up putting a stop to them. I was supposed to get it in December. But I got the depot shot recently and it was starting to take affect. For 2 straight weeks I was in intense pain, my Dr. was worried I'd end up in the ER which would be worse 4y
CaliforniaCay And yes I have heard of hystersisters, lots of good info there, makes me feel normal reading some of those stories 💜 4y
jmtrivera @4thhouseontheleft No matter when you get there, hope every moment is magic for you! 4y
85 likes14 comments
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alisiakae
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Maya‘s school is now closed for at least 2 weeks, and any gatherings of 100 or more now under a mandatory ban in NC. I‘m glad we stocked up on books for Maya at the library this morning. #priorities ☺️ #sendmewine 🤣

Leftcoastzen Yay! I‘m concerned about the library closing yet I have so many at home unread. 4y
ScientistSam Glad you stocked up! NYPL has shut so I'm relying on ebooks and reading down my TBR of books I own. 4y
alisiakae @Leftcoastzen @ScientistSam That‘s exactly why we went this morning, in case the libraries close soon. I guess this is my 🧻🧻🧻! 😜 4y
See All 6 Comments
alisiakae @Leftcoastzen I hardly picked up any for me, this is almost completely Maya‘s #bookhaul! 4y
Johanna414 I did the same thing today. Already thinking of a few titles I didn‘t grab that I might have to go back for on Monday. I anticipate our school and library will be closed by the end of the week 4y
valeriegeary 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 4y
121 likes6 comments
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brandierickson
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Had to start reading a middle grade novel after the intensity of Ta-Nehisi Coates, but very excited for this! Love the Rick Riordan Presents imprint.

Geenie ❤️ the cover 4y
12 likes1 comment
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okthislooksbad
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Over here trying to be all artistic and heck with pictures, but really what I'm trying to say is that this book is A+ adventure. I'm having a ball 💃Kiwi's just sleeping. The usual. #febs2dayathon

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AshleyKorinE
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Pickpick

Tristan punches a hole in the sky and ends up in a whole new world, meets new friends, saves the day, and I need the sequel now! I hope the next novel has more of the side characters and more of his Nanas stories. This mythology is completely new to me and I‘m so glad it‘s available to kids who grew up with these stories and gods. I got so immersed and attached and the grief storyline running through it was so heartwarming. Just so good!

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ness
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Pickpick

Gosh, I loved this book so much! Kwame Mbalia mixed African mythology and African American folklore in one charming adventure. (Even the frankly excessive amount of ableist metaphors hasn‘t dimmed my love of Tristan and his friends [too much].) Amir Abdullah did a great job with the voice acting (I still hear Gum Baby‘s voice in my head! 😂)

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LibrarianRyan
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Pickpick

🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟5 🌟
Kwame has hit this book out of the park. He has a solid book that kids today will love, and kids of tomorrow will still be reading far into the future.

This book was amazing and I can not wait for the sequel. And as has been my tradition, I will await the next tale from RRP because I know adventure awaits.

Full review on LT nad GR.

TheBookAddict Looks like fun! Will have to get it soon...I‘m drowning in books I need to read 🙈🙈😅 but I can‘t help it. 4y
LibrarianRyan @TheBookAddict you and me both 4y
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Johanna414 I just ordered this for my library! 4y
LibrarianRyan @Johanna414 The kids are going to love it. 4y
TheBookAddict Lol, and I just got back from picking up my holds at the library. 🤦🏽‍♀️ 4y
Chrissyreadit That‘s a cool mix of folklore and cultures! I‘m interested! 4y
79 likes5 stack adds7 comments
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ness
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Listening to this amazing book while processing books on this work day. #LibrariansofLitsy

15 likes1 stack add
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Jasxnicole
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I had no plans to go to Barnes & Noble today, let alone buy ANOTHER book ... self-control is non-existent 🙈

But in my defense, I‘ve been wanting to jump into this one since release and it WAS on sale

9 likes1 stack add
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bookandbedandtea
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I can't remember the last middle grade book I read but I have the sense that I don't like them. I'm not at all sure why I think that though. 🤔 This one sounds fantastic so I grabbed it on impulse. I hope I love it as much as I think I will!

LibrarianRyan I loved this 4y
bookandbedandtea @LibrarianRyan I haven't had a chance to read it yet (maybe this weekend) but I looked at the list of Rick Riordan Presents and most of them sound good! I'll definitely be keeping an eye on that imprint. 4y
LibrarianRyan @bookandbedandtea his imprint hasn‘t had a did yet 4y
LibrarianRyan Did. Dud. Dang autocorrect 4y
bookandbedandtea @LibrarianRyan 😄 Good to know! 4y
19 likes1 stack add5 comments
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akaGingerK
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Pickpick

I‘m not the target age, but I‘m calling it a pick anyway. I felt like the action overwhelmed characters for awhile in the middle, but I reconnected by the end, and I am intrigued by the world Mbalia sets up. I would love to read more about Tristan and Midpass/Alke in a future adventure.

Reading as a grownup, I think I found the monsters even creepier, since I recognized the history they echo.

4 likes1 stack add
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Sarrie
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Pickpick

Gah, I loved this. A lot of the RE Presents have been misses for me, even the one from a favorite author, but this one was a solid win. Kwame Mbalia does a wonderful and clever job showing old and new myths plus tackling the topic of grief. I did not expect to get teary eyed half way through!
#youngadult #tristanstrong #fantasy

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essence_dionne

I'm only 3% in, and I'm already loving it.
#book2 #tristanstrong

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SassenachTheBookWizard
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Pickpick

This was so much damn fun! I don't know a ton of West African folklore but I know I've interacted with it in very brief capacities through films and TV and some books. I loved Tristan Strong as a character. His life hasn't been easy but he has pieces that...honestly most people can see a connection to. I am super curious to see how we will fix the fantasy world/setting which was ripped open.

82 likes3 stack adds
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SassenachTheBookWizard
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I'm so damn excited to FINALLLLLLLLLY get to this! Rick Riordan out here being an ally with his imprint

56 likes2 stack adds
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LibrarianRyan

@indoordame @wonderwoman89

Have either of you sent your LMPBC book yet? I have not. I won't lie I'm a bit behind on it since It's too big to read while I'm on the desk.

LibrarianRyan @aCleverduck BTW I got Blackbird in on Saturday. I'll get it read in the next week or so. That is small enough I can read at the ref desk. 4y
IndoorDame I haven‘t either. I‘m also a bit behind, my life had been running a bit off track lately, but I‘m hoping to get it sent soon! @LibrarianRyan @Wonderwoman89 (edited) 4y
LibrarianRyan @IndoorDame @wonderwoman89 might I suggest skipping a month. We had someone back out so we only have three. We could agree to have our books sent by Dec 31 so we have them to read by Jan. Then we would still be on schedule. 4y
See All 9 Comments
IndoorDame @LibrarianRyan @Wonderwoman89 I think that‘s a great idea 4y
LibrarianRyan @IndoorDame Cool. @Wonderwoman89 hasn't appeared to be on for a few weeks, so i bet she is fine with that too.

Ryan
4y
Wonderwoman89 I haven‘t been on for awhile. Fighting pneumonia in our house. That is fine with me. I am behind in reading. 4y
LibrarianRyan @Wonderwoman89 I hope you all get better soon. 4y
Wonderwoman89 Can you refresh my memory? I finished my book. Whom do I send it to? 4y
LibrarianRyan it looks like I mail to you, you mail to @indoordame and @indoordame mails to me. 4y
33 likes9 comments
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LibrarianRyan
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TrishB Guilty 😁 4y
RenePenn 🤣🤣🤣 4y
kaysworld1 🤭🤷 I'm guilty 4y
55 likes4 comments
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Bookish_Gal
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Pickpick

Wow. This story held no punches (pun intended). Tristan felt so relatable, alongside his travel team, in how they all had something to prove. All the self doubt, and getting past their pasts holding them back. The plot felt off through the middle, but it all made sense by the end. I really felt how Tristan grew. Same goes with that end twist. Also, didn‘t like Gum Baby at first but now I love her “sap attacks”. #RiordanPresents

4 likes2 stack adds
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Bookish_Gal
This post contains spoilers
show me
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Everybody wears life‘s scars a little differently. 207/482. #RiordanPresents

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LibrarianRyan
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#weeklyforecast

1. At least 1/2 of the pictures book
1. Graphic novel or manga
5 picture books.

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Bookish_Gal
This post contains spoilers
show me
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Tristans Nana has got a very straightforward point. Here darker stories told them better, it sounds. This books is a great educational one for me; I know their stories as people, not gods as they are in this book. I love it! Also, liking Gum Baby more then I thought I would. #RiordanPresents

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Peddler410
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Starting this tonight as I continue to patiently wait for my daughter to finish book six of the Keeper of the Lost Cities series. I‘m holding to my promise of staying two books behind but it‘s getting difficult.