Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

CHAPTERS 1-9

Reading Check

1. Where is the family traveling at the start of the novel?

2. What is the name of the creature that steals the journal?

3. Who escaped from the bottle tree?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is strange about the symbol on Eddie’s journal? What does the symbol represent?

2. What happens when Tristan attempts to punch Gum Baby?

3. What is unique about many of the citizens of MidPass?

4. Why does Tristan choose to go after Fox instead of leaving him behind?

Paired Resource

“Bottle Trees: A Beautiful Tradition With a Spiritual Past”

• This article describes the history and purpose of the bottle trees that Tristan sees when the family arrives in Alabama.
• This information connects to the theme of The Cultural Context of Black Folklore.
• How is this tradition similar to one in another culture? Can you think of any other groups of people who have a similar folklore?

CHAPTERS 10-22

Reading Check

1. According to the myth, when did Africans lose their power to fly?

2. What is an Anansesem’s power?

3. What do Ayanna, Chestnutt, and the other creatures of MidPass need to retrieve in order to lure Anansi back?

4. Who is the surprise stow-away on Ayanna, Chestnutt, and Tristan’s trip?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why is Tristan drawn to the Tree of Power?

2. What does Brer Rabbit say is Tristan’s greatest fault?

3. What does Uncle C want from Tristan?

4. From whom does John Henry receive the trinket he gives Tristan? What is the trinket?

Paired Resource

“The Myth of Anansi, the Trickster Spider”

• This 5-minute video tells the story of Anansi, the African trickster and great storyteller.
• This story connects to the theme of The Cultural Context of Black Folklore and The Power of Storytelling.
• How are the ideas of tasks, stories, and lessons significant in both this folktale and the novel?

CHAPTERS 23-36

Reading Check

1. What two animal statues guard the Story Box?

2. What part of Tristan glows with his new adinkra?

3. What does the monster Abiyoyo do to children who make noise after bedtime?

4. Who separates Tristan’s physical and spiritual body?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What does Tristan suspect has happened to the people of Golden Crescent? 

2. Why can’t Tristan have Nyame’s Story Box?

3. What is Nyame’s prophecy for Tristan?

Paired Resource

“Adinkra Symbols & Meanings: Explore African Symbols & Meanings”

• This website provides a list of Adinkra symbols and their related meanings.
• This information connects to the theme of The Cultural Context of Black Folklore.
• Which of these symbols would you most want to guide/support you if you were Tristan? What is your rationale for this choice?

CHAPTERS 37-44

Reading Check

1. What does Uncle C take from Tristan when Tristan has a vision of himself in Uncle C’s domain?

2. According to Nana’s legend, who gave High John his ax?

3. Who saves and treats Ayanna and Chestnutt?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does the hullbeast hurt Ayanna?

2. How did Eddie die?

3. How does Tristan find out where Uncle C is keeping everyone captive?

Paired Resource

“High John the Conqueror”

• This 2-minute video is an excerpt from a lecture on Black folklore.
• This information connects to the themes of The Cultural Context of Black Folklore and The Power of Storytelling.
• Why might enslaved people have told stories like this? What positive significance do stories about power have on audiences?

CHAPTERS 45-51

Reading Check

1. What does the “C” in Uncle C stand for?

2. Who helps Tristan defeat Uncle C?

3. Who was pretending to be Brer Rabbit?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does the Maafa talk to Tristan?

2. Why does the Maafa want Tristan to tell its story?

3. What is Eddie’s final reminder to Tristan?

Recommended Next Reads 

Tristan Strong Destroys the World by Kwame Mbalia

• This second book in the series follows Tristan as he continues his hero’s journey to save the world.
• Shared themes include The Cultural Context of Black Folklore, The Power of Storytelling, and The Black Hero’s Journey.    
• Shared topics include mythology, coming of age, and what it means to be a hero.       

Paola Santiago And The River Of Tears by Tehlor Kay Mejia

• Paola is a 12-year-old girl who finds herself caught up in magic, science, and love in this modern retelling of Mexican mythology.
• Shared themes include The Power of Storytelling.
• Shared topics include cultural mythology and coming of age.