Amazing novel of a young Black boy gaining insight and understanding to the culture that has been targeted for erasure by white supremacy, plus an amazing exploration of trauma and trauma responses.

Another delightful romp.

This is a heavy, difficult read. It is also a book not explicitly meant for me (the audience is Black folx, clearly stated early on). I learned a ton from this book, how the legacy of enslavement and subjugation bleed through in really specific ways. And I learned more of what needs to be available in our communities for young Black folx to flourish and thrive.

Stellar. Absolutely stellar. The way Mbalia weaves in often-whitewashed history, sharing the truth of BIPOC folx in this country, into the story, the way Tristan confronts said whitewashing and learns of his history and his culture on an epic fantasy journey...The way racism is personified to help kids "get" it (while not shying away from the fact that the personified monsters are not the real culprit, that it is deeper than that)...Is just amazing. Absolutely amazing. How Mbalia helps young Black boys see themselves in a vulnerable, grief-stricken, ANGRY Black male lead, without ever making anger a villain, and even sprinkles in legitimate therapeutic tools to help people - especially kids - deal with anger is incredible. I will recommend this book series to just about every middle schooler and high schooler I'll meet, and I cannot wait until my 7-year-old nephew is a touch more mature and ready for the adventures of Tristan Strong.