KRKB
Kwame Mbalia
Author Profile

Kwame Mbalia

15 Books
Kwame Mbalia is a New York Times bestselling American author known for his engaging middle-grade fantasy and adventure series. He is the acclaimed writer of the Tristan Strong series, which earned a Coretta Scott King Author Honor, and has since expanded his repertoire into young adult fiction and picture books. In addition to his solo work, Mbalia edited the bestselling anthology Black Boy Joy and frequently collaborates on expansive universes like Star Wars and Marvel.
Freedom Fire

Jax Freeman and the Tournament of Spirits

Kwame Mbalia

Action Fantasy
- /5
Tristan Strong

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

Kwame Mbalia

Action Fantasy
- /5
Tristan Strong

Tristan Strong Keeps Punching: Book 3

Kwame Mbalia

Action Fantasy
- /5
Freedom Fire

Jax Freeman and the Phantom Shriek

Kwame Mbalia

Action Fantasy
- /5
Tristan Strong

Tristan Strong Destroys the World

Kwame Mbalia

Action Adventure
- /5
Star Wars

The Last Order

Kwame Mbalia

Action Adventure
- /5
Last Gate of the Emperor

The Royal Trials: Book 2

Kwame Mbalia, Prince Joel Makonnen

Action Adventure
- /5
Captain America: Brave New World

A Hero Looks Like You

Kwame Mbalia, Nikkolas Smith

Courage Kindness
- /5

On Again, Awkward Again: A Novel

Erin Entrada Kelly, Kwame Mbalia

Fiction Friendship
- /5
Last Gate of the Emperor

Last Gate of the Emperor

Kwame Mbalia, Prince Joel Makonnen, Prince Araya Mengesha

Action Adventure
- /5
Tristan Strong

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky: The Graphic Novel

Kwame Mbalia, Olivia Stephens, Robert Venditti

Adventure Diverse Voices
- /5
Rick Riordan Presents

The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities: New Stories About Mythic Heroes

Rick Riordan, Roshani Chokshi, Kwame Mbalia, Yoon Ha Lee, Carlos Hernandez, Rebecca Roanhorse, Tehlor Kay Mejia, Sarwat Chadda, Graci Kim, J.C. Cervantes

Action Adventure
- /5

Faeries Never Lie: Tales to Revel In

Holly Black, Dhonielle Clayton, Kwame Mbalia, Chloe Gong, Zoraida Córdova, Nafiza Azad, Tessa Gratton, Ryan La Sala, Anna-Marie McLemore, Kaitlyn Sage Patterson, Rory Power, Christine Day, Natalie C. Parker, L.L. McKinney

Anthologies Fantasy
- /5

Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood

Jason Reynolds, Kwame Mbalia, Dean Atta, P. Djèlí Clark, Jay Coles, Lamar Giles, Don P. Hooper, George M. Johnson, Varian Johnson, Suyi Davies Okungbowa, Tochi Onyebuchi, Julian Randall, Justin A. Reynolds, DaVaun Sanders, Julian Winters, Jerry Craft, B.B. Alston

Anthologies Diverse Voices
- /5

Cool. Awkward. Black.

Karen Strong, Isaac Fitzsimons, Jordan Ifueko, Leah Johnson, Amanda Joy, Danny Lore, Kwame Mbalia, Tochi Onyebuchi, Ciannon Smart, Julian Winters, Ibi Zoboi, Lamar Giles, K Arsenault Rivera, Amerie, Kalynn Bayron, Terry J. Benton, Roseanne A. Brown, Elise Bryant, Tracy Deonn, Desiree S. Evans

Anthologies Diverse Voices
- /5
Write Review Read Reviews
By: Kwame Mbalia
Seventh grader Jackson Jax Freeman has just wrapped his head around two massive secrets: he is a magical summoner capable of calling upon his ancestors' powers, and he is definitely not the only one. After grueling training, Jax and four of his talented classmates from Chicago's DuSable Middle School are drafted into the highly secretive Tournament of Spirits. Thrust into a high-stakes competition against the most skilled young summoners from across the globe, the pressure is immense. But while the rest of his team is purely focused on taking home the victory, Jax is secretly carrying out a dangerous side quest for the elders. He has been ordered to spy on every single competitor, including his own friends, to find out who is releasing deadly and endangered cryptids right into the middle of the arena. You will join Jax on a breathless race against time as he tries to uncover the traitor's identity. He must figure out how to dominate the tournament, master his growing powers, and save everyone from a terrifying unseen enemy.
Action Fantasy Friendship Magic Monsters
9-12 Years 368 Pages
N/A /5
Write Review Read Reviews
By: Kwame Mbalia
Seventh-grader Tristan Strong feels anything but strong after failing to save his best friend in a tragic accident. All Tristan has left of his friend Eddie is a journal filled with stories. To heal, Tristan is sent to his grandparents' farm in Alabama for a month. But on his very first night, a mysterious, sticky creature sneaks into his room and steals the precious notebook! Tristan chases the creature out to a Bottle Tree, and during a desperate tug-of-war, he accidentally punches the tree—ripping open a glowing chasm into the MidPass. Suddenly, Tristan is pulled into a volatile world with a burning sea, haunted bone ships, and terrifying iron monsters. He lands right in the middle of an epic battle alongside exhausted Black American folk heroes like John Henry and Brer Rabbit. To fix the sky and get back home, Tristan must convince the cunning trickster god Anansi to help them. But making a deal with Anansi always comes at a steep price. Can Tristan find his inner strength and save this magical world before he loses everything he loves?
Action Fantasy Magic Mythology
9-12 Years 496 Pages
N/A /5
Write Review Read Reviews

Book 3

By: Kwame Mbalia
Tristan Strong is out of time, and the ultimate showdown to save his world has finally arrived. After successfully reuniting with Ayanna and bringing her back to his own world, Tristan must now travel up the Mississippi River to hunt down his greatest enemy, King Cotton. The journey home to Chicago is paved with danger, as vengeful new haints are absolutely determined to block his path north. To secure victory and deliver long-awaited justice, Tristan cannot rely on physical power alone. He must call upon the combined strength of his Alkean friends, the legendary gods, and the mysterious black flames of the powerful afokena gloves. More importantly, he will need to dig deep into his own inner resilience to survive the coming war. As you join Tristan on this final, high-stakes voyage, prepare for shocking twists and glorious triumphs. This explosive conclusion pushes every hero to their absolute limit. Tristan must strike one last time to protect the people he loves and ensure that the stories of the past are never forgotten.
Action Fantasy Magic Mythology
9-12 Years 416 Pages
N/A /5
Write Review Read Reviews
By: Kwame Mbalia
Jackson Jax Freeman carries nothing but the heavy weight of a family scandal when he steps off the train at Chicago Union Station alone on his twelfth birthday. Sent away to live with distant relatives, his fresh start takes a terrifying turn before he even leaves the platform. A bizarre food vendor throws dust in his face, and a sinister conductor attempts to steal his skin. At his new school, Jax is assigned to a mysterious class for summoners. He has no idea what summoning entails until he accidentally unleashes a furious spirit onto the school grounds. Soon, he is caught in a dangerous web involving a missing friend and an all-out war between rival magical families. When Jax discovers he is not the first Freeman blamed for a disaster he did not cause, he sets out to clear his name and uncover the truth about his great-grandfather, a train porter from the 1920s. To survive, Jax and his classmates must unlock the secrets of a powerful Praise House and evade vengeful ghosts. You will find yourself rooting for Jax as he discovers he might just be the most talented summoner of them all.
Action Fantasy Ghosts Magic Trains
9-12 Years 480 Pages
N/A /5
Write Review Read Reviews
By: Kwame Mbalia
Seventh-grader Tristan Strong thought he had already faced his greatest challenges, but his adventures in the magical world of Alke are far from over. When his beloved Nana is suddenly abducted right from the Strong family farm in Alabama by a terrifying new enemy known as the Shamble Man, Tristan's world is turned upside down once again. To save her, Tristan must journey back into the volatile and dangerous lands of Alke. But he can't do it alone. He will need to enlist the help of powerful African gods and legendary Black folktale heroes to track down the Shamble Man and bring his grandmother home safely. As the stakes grow higher and the enemies become more dangerous, Tristan must dig deeper to find the courage and strength he needs to protect his family. Dive back into this richly imagined fantasy world packed with epic battles, incredible magic, and unforgettable heroes.
Action Adventure Fantasy Mythology
9-12 Years 416 Pages
N/A /5
Write Review Read Reviews
By: Kwame Mbalia
Following the dramatic conclusion of the Resistance's final battle against the First Order, heroes Finn and Jannah are thrust right back into the action. When they intercept and rescue a ship packed with young passengers kidnapped by the retreating enemy forces, the mission becomes deeply personal. Both former stormtroopers know exactly what it means to be stolen from their families and forced into a brutal military regime. Determined to stop the First Order officer responsible before more children are taken, Finn and Jannah embark on a dangerous pursuit across the galaxy. As you follow their perilous journey, both warriors must confront the lingering shadows of their own complicated pasts. They have fought bravely for the galaxy's freedom, but now they face the difficult task of healing their own scars. This thrilling adventure dives deep into the unexplored histories of two beloved heroes. Packed with high-stakes space battles and emotional truths, this journey reveals what it truly means to fight for the future by facing the demons of the past.
Action Adventure Fiction Science Fiction Space Spacecraft
9-12 Years 464 Pages
N/A /5
Write Review Read Reviews
Last Gate of the Emperor

The Royal Trials

Book 2

By: Kwame Mbalia , Prince Joel Makonnen
Yared has journeyed light years to find his rightful place in the universe, but his greatest challenge awaits him back where humanity started. Though the fierce battle of Addis Prime has ended, the legendary spacefaring Axum Empire remains dangerously fractured. Missing for over a decade, the empire is finally returning to Old Earth, only to discover their ancestral home in total ruin. The planet's atmosphere is choked with junked shuttles and dying satellites. Out in the orbital wasteland known as Debris Town, abandoned spacefarers have turned to piracy just to survive the harsh conditions. Yared is scheduled to deliver a major address at the opening of the Royal Trials, an elite competition showcasing the finest exo pilots in the Sol System. However, the festivities are violently interrupted when the pirates launch a surprise attack. This brazen siege drags Yared into a treacherous descent toward the depths of Old Earth and straight into a devastating betrayal. As you navigate this vast Afrofuturist universe, you will uncover hidden truths about Debris Town and realize the pirate threat is far more complex than anyone imagined.
Action Adventure Science Fiction Spacecraft
9-12 Years 272 Pages
N/A /5
Write Review Read Reviews
Captain America: Brave New World

A Hero Looks Like You

By: Kwame Mbalia , Nikkolas Smith
DJ is about to find out that saving the day is not just for people with shiny shields and flying suits. When his absolute favorite superhero, Captain America, needs a helping hand, DJ does not hesitate to step right into the action. Set in the exciting world of Sam Wilson as Captain America, this thrilling adventure follows a young boy who proves that true bravery comes from within. As DJ works alongside his idol, he learns a powerful secret about what it really means to be a hero. You do not need super strength, magic powers, or a fancy costume to make a massive difference in your neighborhood. Join DJ on an unforgettable journey that will inspire you to look in the mirror and see a hero looking right back. You will discover that kindness, courage, and a willingness to help others are the greatest superpowers of all.
Courage Kindness Movies Superheroes Picture Books
6-8 Years 32 Pages
N/A /5
Write Review Read Reviews

A Novel

By: Erin Entrada Kelly , Kwame Mbalia
When Pacy Mercado and Cecil Holloway lock eyes during their first week of freshman year, it is practically love at first sight. Unfortunately, that perfect moment is immediately shattered by an epic display of clumsiness and a highly inconvenient bout of stomach issues. Despite having absolutely zero romantic game, Pacy and Cecil cannot deny they are drawn to one another. What starts as seven seconds of intense eye contact quickly spirals into days of chaotic stress. Desperate to make a good impression, you watch them follow the worst possible relationship advice from well-meaning friends, eccentric family members, and entirely unqualified strangers on the internet. Fate intervenes when both teens are forced onto the Wakeville Awesome Decor Society committee to plan the upcoming freshman dance. Forced into close quarters surrounded by streamers and party planning disasters, Pacy and Cecil must figure out how to stop pretending. If they can embrace their hilariously awkward mishaps and endless mistakes, they just might stumble their way into an imperfectly perfect romance.
Fiction Friendship Humor
9-12 Years 272 Pages
N/A /5
Write Review Read Reviews
Last Gate of the Emperor

Last Gate of the Emperor

By: Kwame Mbalia , Prince Joel Makonnen , Prince Araya Mengesha
Yared Heywat is used to surviving in the shadows of Addis Prime, a hardscrabble city filled with broken technology and far too many rules. His only real family is his deeply anxious Uncle Moti and a fiercely loyal bionic lioness named Besa. To escape his isolated life, Yared uses his quick wits to dominate the underground augmented reality game known as The Hunt for Kaleb's Obelisk. But the virtual world collides violently with reality when a sudden rule change forces Yared to log into the game using his actual name. This single action triggers a devastating citywide attack, and in the resulting chaos, Uncle Moti vanishes without a trace. Suddenly, the wild bedtime stories his uncle used to tell about sky kingdoms and city-destroying monsters are manifesting in the real world. Realizing he is at the center of this waking myth, Yared must team up with Besa and a bitter gaming rival to find his uncle. You will plunge into an epic Afrofuturist adventure as Yared uncovers his true destiny in a forgotten, galaxy-spanning war.
Action Adventure Science Fiction Space Video Games
9-12 Years 320 Pages
N/A /5
Write Review Read Reviews

The Graphic Novel

By: Kwame Mbalia , Olivia Stephens , Robert Venditti
Meet Tristan Strong, a seventh grader who is feeling a bit down after a tough time. You see, he’s spending the summer on his grandparents' farm, holding onto a special journal his best friend, Eddie, used to write in. But then, something totally unexpected happens! A strange, sticky creature sneaks into his room and tries to steal Eddie's precious notebook. Chasing after the creature, Tristan accidentally punches a magical Bottle Tree. POOF! A gigantic hole rips open in the sky, pulling him into a wild, dangerous world called the MidPass. Imagine a place with a burning sea, spooky ghost ships, and giant iron monsters! Here, Tristan finds himself face-to-face with amazing Black American folk heroes like the mighty John Henry and the clever Brer Rabbit. Now, Tristan isn't just trying to get home; he's part of a huge adventure! To seal the hole in the sky and save this incredible world, he and his new friends must find the trickster god Anansi. It will take courage and smarts to succeed. Can Tristan find the strength he needs inside himself to help save the day, and will you join him on this epic journey?
Adventure Diverse Voices Fantasy Folktales Friendship Graphic Novels Mythology
9-12 Years 128 Pages
N/A /5
Write Review Read Reviews

New Stories About Mythic Heroes

By: Rick Riordan , Roshani Chokshi , Kwame Mbalia , Yoon Ha Lee , Carlos Hernandez , Rebecca Roanhorse , Tehlor Kay Mejia , Sarwat Chadda , Graci Kim , J.C. Cervantes
Get ready for a wild ride through the worlds of gods, monsters, and magic! In this thrilling anthology, ten incredible authors come together to remix ancient myths for modern readers. From a cursed carnival that promises unimaginable danger to unexpected calamities that will test the bravery of young heroes, every story is packed with action, humor, and heart. You will encounter legendary creatures, powerful deities, and epic quests drawn from a rich variety of global mythologies. Whether you are battling alongside demigods or outsmarting trickster spirits, these fast-paced adventures prove that ancient legends are still very much alive today. Perfect for fans of epic fantasy and mythological twists, this collection will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
Action Adventure Anthologies Fantasy Mythology Short Stories
9-12 Years 496 Pages
N/A /5
Write Review Read Reviews

Tales to Revel In

By: Holly Black , Dhonielle Clayton , Kwame Mbalia , Chloe Gong , Zoraida Córdova , Nafiza Azad , Tessa Gratton , Ryan La Sala , Anna-Marie McLemore , Kaitlyn Sage Patterson , Rory Power , Christine Day , Natalie C. Parker , L.L. McKinney
Get ready to step through a hidden portal and meet creatures who are equal parts magical and mischievous. In this thrilling collection of stories, you will encounter faeries from all over the world, each with their own unique tricks and enchantments. Whether you are chasing a winged trickster through an ancient dynasty or surviving your very first day at a magical boarding school, you are in for an unforgettable ride. You will discover that the fae are not just tiny creatures fluttering in gardens; they are powerful beings capable of bending reality itself. Sometimes they are helpful friends, but other times they are dangerous monsters hiding behind beautiful illusions. As you explore these wild and unpredictable worlds, you will need to keep your wits about you to survive their clever games. Packed with adventure, mystery, and a touch of madness, this collection is perfect for anyone brave enough to peek behind the curtain of the ordinary world. Just remember the most important rule: never, ever trust a faerie's promise.
Anthologies Fantasy Magic Short Stories
9-12 Years 336 Pages
N/A /5
Write Review Read Reviews

17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood

By: Jason Reynolds , Kwame Mbalia , Dean Atta , P. Djèlí Clark , Jay Coles , Lamar Giles , Don P. Hooper , George M. Johnson , Varian Johnson , Suyi Davies Okungbowa , Tochi Onyebuchi , Julian Randall , Justin A. Reynolds , DaVaun Sanders , Julian Winters , Jerry Craft , B.B. Alston
What does joy look like to you? Maybe it is picking out the absolute perfect outfit for your first day of school. Maybe it is flying down the sidewalk on your skateboard like nobody is watching, or finding your voice and your rhymes when times get tough. It could even be saving the entire universe in an epic intergalactic race! Discover all these moments and more in a vibrant collection of stories, comics, and poems that celebrate the incredible power of happiness and the everyday wonders of growing up. Brought to you by seventeen acclaimed authors, this uplifting book is packed with heavy doses of happiness, humor, and heart. Whether you are exploring new worlds, navigating friendships, or just figuring out who you are, these stories will make you smile, laugh, and feel completely unstoppable. Jump into a celebration of boyhood that proves joy is always within your reach.
Anthologies Diverse Voices Emotions Friendship Short Stories
9-12 Years 321 Pages
N/A /5
Write Review Read Reviews
By: Karen Strong , Isaac Fitzsimons , Jordan Ifueko , Leah Johnson , Amanda Joy , Danny Lore , Kwame Mbalia , Tochi Onyebuchi , Ciannon Smart , Julian Winters , Ibi Zoboi , Lamar Giles , K Arsenault Rivera , Amerie , Kalynn Bayron , Terry J. Benton , Roseanne A. Brown , Elise Bryant , Tracy Deonn , Desiree S. Evans
Step into a dynamic collection of stories that completely redefines what it means to be a geek. In this multi-genre anthology, some of today's most celebrated Black authors bring you into worlds where imagination knows no bounds. You will meet a girl who searches the skies for UFOs, a boy who might have finally stumbled upon his Prince Charming, an aspiring performer dreaming of the lead role in her school musical, and a misunderstood magician grappling with powers she cannot fully control. Whether you are drawn to contemporary romance, historical fiction, sweeping fantasy, or mind-bending sci-fi, these eclectic tales offer something for every kind of reader. Each story centers exclusively on Black characters, celebrating the many facets of Blackness and geekiness in both our real world and beautifully imagined universes. It is a life-affirming journey that challenges old stereotypes and invites you to embrace exactly who you are. Discover the magic, the awkwardness, and the undeniable coolness of being a geek.
Anthologies Diverse Voices Fiction Short Stories
13-18 Years 337 Pages
N/A /5
Success – Your message will goes here