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Description
Punching the Air is a young adult novel in verse that tells the story of sixteen-year-old Amal Shahid, an aspiring artist and poet who is wrongfully convicted and incarcerated. Co-written by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam, a member of the Exonerated Five, the book follows Amal as he navigates a biased criminal-justice system and the harsh realities of prison life. The narrative also explores his earlier experiences at a diverse art school where he is perceived as disruptive, and it addresses themes of racial injustice, systemic bias, and the impact of imprisonment on his identity.
Quick Summary
Punching the Air is a powerful novel in verse that turns poetry into a punch to the gut, telling the true story of a Black teen wrongfully imprisoned through verses that rap, sing, and shout. Kids will love the raw, rhythm-filled poetry that makes heavy themes accessible and the way the main character uses his voice to fight back against injustice even from behind bars. If your kid likes The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas or wants books that combine social justice with incredible storytelling, they'll devour this. Perfect for teens in grades 9-12 who want stories that matter and poetry that hits hard.