Who Would Like This Book:
This powerful novel-in-verse blends heartbreak, hope, and resilience with sharp social commentary. If you love stories told through poetry, enjoy books that confront injustice, or want a deeply moving window into the lived experiences of Black youth in America, you’ll be gripped by Amal’s story. It’s especially resonant for fans of realistic YA, those interested in social justice, educators, and anyone who was moved by the story of the Exonerated Five or the Black Lives Matter movement. Teen and adult readers alike will find Amal’s journey unforgettable and inspiring.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers may find the verse format challenging or not to their taste, especially if they prefer straightforward prose or aren’t used to poetic storytelling. Others might want more background detail or a less emotional style. If you’re looking for a light, escapist read, this book's intensity and focus on serious systemic issues may feel heavy or overwhelming.
About:
'Punching the Air' by Ibi Zoboi is a powerful and moving novel told in verse, following the story of Amal Shahid, a black Muslim teenager who is wrongfully accused and convicted of a crime. The book delves into the themes of systemic racism, injustice in the legal system, and the struggles faced by young black men. Through poetry, the author portrays Amal's journey of maintaining his humanity, seeking truth, and finding hope in a dark situation. The narrative reflects on the disenfranchisement of marginalized communities and the impact of incarceration on individuals.
The writing style of 'Punching the Air' is described as poetic, bold, and impactful. The use of verse adds depth and emotion to the story, allowing readers to connect with Amal's experiences on a profound level. The book not only highlights the personal struggles of the protagonist but also addresses broader societal issues, such as the failings of the US justice system and the importance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for Punching the Air include themes of racism, injustice, wrongful conviction, incarceration, and violence.
From The Publisher:
New York Times and USA Today bestseller * Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor * Walter Award Winner * Goodreads Finalist for Best Teen Book of the Year * Time Magazine Best Book of the Year * Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year * Shelf Awareness Best Book of the Year * School Library Journal Best Book of the Year * Kirkus Best Book of the Year * New York Public Library Best Book of the Year
From award-winning, bestselling author Ibi Zoboi and prison reform activist Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five comes a powerful YA novel in verse about a boy who is wrongfully incarcerated. A must-read for fans of Jason Reynolds, Walter Dean Myers, and Elizabeth Acevedo.
The story that I thought
was my life
didn't start on the day
I was born
Amal Shahid has always been an artist and a poet. But even in a diverse art school, because of a biased system he's seen as disruptive and unmotivated. Then, one fateful night, an altercation in a gentrifying neighborhood escalates into tragedy. "Boys just being boys" turns out to be true only when those boys are white.
The story that I think
will be my life
starts today
Suddenly, at just sixteen years old, Amal is convicted of a crime he didn't commit and sent to prison. Despair and rage almost sink him until he turns to the refuge of his words, his art. This never should have been his story. But can he change it?
With spellbinding lyricism, award-winning author Ibi Zoboi and prison reform activist Yusef Salaam tell a moving and deeply profound story about how one boy is able to maintain his humanity and fight for the truth in a system designed to strip him of both.
Ratings (5)
Incredible (1) | |
Loved It (1) | |
Liked It (1) | |
It Was OK (2) |
Reader Stats (13):
Read It (5) | |
Want To Read (8) |
1 comment(s)
I listened to this as an audiobook and it was very well narrated. The story really came alive and didn't just feel like someone read the book to me as some other audiobook does. The book was both hard to put down and devastating as the treatment for the main character and that this might be a fictional story but similar things happen in real life.
What can you read after
Punching the Air?
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