Punching the Air Hardcover – Illustrated, September 1, 2020

Reads like a beautiful thoughtful poem on a roller coaster. Profound and painful topic, stripped down in a very provocative way. All teachers should read this.

I can remember vividly the days surrounding the Central Park jogger case. I remember the collective fear that held New York City in a vice. The way the press preyed on our emotions with descriptions of roving gangs of teens “wilding out”. Five teens — black and brown — were accused of this depraved act. They were villainized. Trump took out a full page ad in the New York Times demanding the death penalty in their case. In the days the followed one person stood out for me. Yusef Salaam’s mother. Because of her stoicism. She never faltered. In the heat of the frenzy she boldly proclaimed her son’s innocence across her chest.In the end the five would spend 6-13 years behind bars for a crime they did not commit.Punching the Air is a collaboration between award winning author Ibi Zoboi and Exonerated Five member Yusef Salaam. It tells the story of a teenage boy Amal who has been wrongfully convicted of a crime. The book is a beautifully rendered piece that delves into the disenfranchisement of young black men.“Locking you up isn’t enoughfor them They will try to crush your spirit untilyou’re nothing but —Dustwe both saytogether”Written in verse, Punching the Air shows Amal whose name means hope draw strength through creativity. His poems and art are glimpses of freedom that give him hope to carry on.” And what does dust do, Amal?What did Maya Angelou say about dust?Umi asksIt rises, I whisper”

This is a YA story about Amal Shahid, who is a black Muslim accused of beating his white classmate into a coma. He stands trial and is convicted by everyone, and sentenced to juvie.Amal is an artist, he has aspirations to go to an art college and make a living out of making art. But when he is convicted, he feels all of that has slipped through his fingers.This book is extremely powerful and intense and I really loved it. It had a steady rhythm in both the points of systematic racism that this book touches upon, as well as the Amal's emotional narrative about his heritage. This touched upon many things that are currently being brought to light in the Black Lives Matter movement and this is extremely relevant to our time.I do love this but being that this is a book told completely in verse I think its powerful narrative could have been amplified further if I had consumed it as an audio book rather than in physical book form. As much as I love this book, it is definitely meant to be heard and not seen. These verses follow that of spoken word poetry and I might consume it again in the future through my ears rather than through my eyes.

Great message in this poetic book! Finding hope in a dark situation. Everyone should read. You won’t be disappointed. Also watch the Central Park five based off true story!One of those guys helped write this book.

This is hard-hitting. That happens alot. A young back kid getting accused of something they haven't done. There is always light in the darkness.A story told in verse words came to life in my head.This is the truth in poetry a story.This is reality.

Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam’sPunching the Air …“In court dreaming, wish they could see me past the stories.Passed my story, into my eyes, what really happened.In prison, two men pull me outta line into a room” (what happens next forces to a pause. Turned the audio book off)I need a break. I need to absorb and release what happened before I can rejoin from this young man’s perspective. It’s getting more difficult not to cry in his stead.Listened on audio from the library on the Overdrive app plus bought a hardback to support the author.This is a fantastic realistic troublesome tale.Reads like poetry. Locked away inside an untouchable unseen boyTrigger alert for assault survivors🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💯

The US has a racist problem with incarceration and this book showcases how a young misunderstood black Muslim boy can end up in jail for something he says he didn’t do.A book written in verse (including poems written by Dr Salaam whilst he was in prison) we start off with the court case with the protagonist, Amal, reflecting on his life as we build up to how he got there. The second and third part covers his time in Juve and the system within.Dr Yusuf Salaam is one of the Exonerated 5, and whilst inspired by his experience it is not about it. Amal is a teenager in modern times with social media and videos helping and hurting his cause.This book highlighted the many ways in which systems fail black children from teachers, to lawyers and police, judges, media and then of course the correction system.I’ve refused to watch When They See Us because I don’t know what I’ll do with that anger but this book highlighted many things that made me wonder if the people that failed the Exonerated 5 and countless other children feel remorse; have repented or better yet, been served Karma’s justice.This is a must read. Not only in the US but any country with disproportionate amounts of people in prison and / or a privatized prison system which South Africa is considering.

I read a variety of books, and this was unlike any I have read before. I couldn’t put it down. It was so unique in the writing style itself which reflected more of who the main character was in reality. The story itself is told throughout while current circumstances are taking place so I was having to keep reading to find out what really happened. It does provide hope in many ways.It was something that happened years ago but I fear injustices are still as prevalent today because of race which saddens me. I don’t understand how there can be so much prejudice over the color of someone’s skin still to this day, but then I was not raised that way.Great book.

This is the most amazing young readers novel I've come across.The rithm of its poetry and the truthfulness of its words is remarkable.I love every detail, and I would just add a couple more illustrations to the edition

I rarely write reviews online or even buy books! But this book was simply amazing and I felt the need to share my enthusiasm and emphatic support! I resonanted with its simplicity. It was so full of light and darkness and loss and faith and triumph and hope. It helped me grieve and then heal. This book is certainly a feat and it's a reminder to young people of color of the greatness and potential that lies within them. A reminder that despite the twisted ways our social system - they have a fire inside them that cannot be ignited. That we must take the gifts God has blessed us with to educate, advocate, and fight against injustice. That our gifts are appreciated and have the potential to change so many lives. This book was nothing short of life-changing for me. It has soul, to say the least. You certainly won't regret supporting these authors and delving into the beautiful work they've created

Wow, what a book!! This is the first book that I have read in verse, and oh my!!!! I loved all the poetry throughout this story! Some words have definitely stuck with me!The main topic of this book is something that needs to be spoken more about, it is moving, heartbreaking and incredibly important! I genuinely needed to stop myself reading and take a few moments as I was so incredibly moved by them 😭It is just so beautifully written!!This book is actually based around the true events of One of the authors of this book - 'Yusef Salaam'. He was only 15 years old when he was falsely imprisoned & lost 10 years of his life. So you know reading this that there is so much truth behind the words.This book is about a boy who tries to maintain his humanity & also fight for the truth, which you seem that the system is built to strip him of both. This book also covers a failing US system that's drastically needs to change!!This is a heartbreaking, moving, beautiful book & I recommend everyone to read it!!!

Wonderful book

I’ll never be able to adequately describe how this story made me feel. Really. My heart hurts. You can’t read this story without thinking of the Exonerated Five and their experience. This story isn’t directed about Yusef, but it’s inspired by it.-Amal’s story of being wrongly incarcerated is told in verse. It’s powerful and bold, filled with so many impactful quotes. I will be rereading this one time and time again.-I won an ARC of PUNCHING THE AIR after attending an online event held by Harper Collins. Big thank you to @hccfrenzy for their wonderful events and the great prize!-5/5 stars. PUNCHING THE AIR by Ibi Ziboi and Yusef Salaam is out now! My review is based on reading my finished copy.