Punching the Air

Punching the Air is a novel-in-verse that follows Amal Shahid, a sixteen-year-old Black Muslim artist and poet. After an incident in a gentrifying neighborhood, Amal is charged with a crime and sent to prison despite his innocence. The story is told through Amal's poems and artistic perspective as he faces the reality of incarceration and a justice system stacked against him. Co-written by Ibi Zoboi and Dr. Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five, the narrative combines their unique insights and experiences. The verse format mirrors both Amal's poetry and the rhythms of hip-hop, creating a raw narrative voice that speaks directly from his consciousness. His art and writing become tools for survival and self-expression within the confines of his imprisonment. Through Amal's story, the book examines systemic racism, the school-to-prison pipeline, and the power of art as resistance and self-preservation. The narrative raises questions about justice, identity, and the human spirit's capacity to maintain hope in the face of overwhelming odds.

Readers connect deeply with the emotional journey of protagonist Amal and the raw, poetic writing style. The verse format makes the story more impactful and accessible according to many reviews. What readers liked: - Character development and authenticity of Amal's voice - Integration of art and creativity themes - Pacing and readability of the verse format - Educational value for discussing systemic racism - Strong mother-son relationship portrayal What readers disliked: - Some found the ending unsatisfying - A few readers wanted more plot development - Some struggled with the verse format Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (14,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,100+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.7/5 (150+ ratings) "The poetry hits you in the gut" - Goodreads reviewer "Should be required reading in schools" - Amazon reviewer "Made me angry, made me cry, made me think" - Barnes & Noble reviewer

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★ Dr. Yusef Salaam, co-author of the book, was one of the "Exonerated Five" (formerly known as the "Central Park Five") who was wrongfully convicted as a teenager and spent nearly seven years in prison. ★ The book's format as a novel-in-verse was inspired by both classical poetry and contemporary hip-hop, reflecting the protagonist's dual interests in art forms across different cultures and time periods. ★ Author Ibi Zoboi was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and her immigrant experience often influences her writing about identity and justice in America. ★ The character Amal's name has Arabic origins and means "hope," which serves as a symbolic element throughout the narrative. ★ The artwork and poetry created by Amal in the story were influenced by real programs that teach creative arts in juvenile detention centers as tools for rehabilitation and self-expression.