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aftaerglows's review against another edition
4.0
say it with me: the prison system in america is a form of legal slavery and should be abolished
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
3.0
I'm having a hard time rating this book. I think there were some important topics to think about, and some very impactful moments. Overall it just fell a little flat for me, and I also wanted more of an ending than what I got.
It was a very quick read, though, and I would probably still recommend it.
It was a very quick read, though, and I would probably still recommend it.
bookish_olga's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
"Punching the Air" by Ibi Zoboi is a stunning verse novel that packs a powerful punch with its impactful language and compelling storytelling. Through the lens of Amal Shahid, a talented artist and poet, the novel explores themes of injustice, systemic bias, and the resilience of the human spirit. Zoboi's lyrical prose immerses readers in Amal's journey as he navigates the complexities of a biased system that wrongfully convicts him of a crime he didn't commit.
The character development in
"Punching the Air" is exceptional, offering a nuanced portrayal of
Amal's inner struggles and his unwavering determination to maintain his
humanity in the face of adversity. From the momentous tragedy that alters his
life to his transformative journey behind bars, Amal's voice resonates with
authenticity and raw emotion. Zoboi and Yusef Salaam's collaborative effort
shines through in the depth and complexity of Amal's character, inviting
readers to empathize with his experiences and reflect on the injustices
perpetuated by society.
"Punching the Air" is exceptional, offering a nuanced portrayal of
Amal's inner struggles and his unwavering determination to maintain his
humanity in the face of adversity. From the momentous tragedy that alters his
life to his transformative journey behind bars, Amal's voice resonates with
authenticity and raw emotion. Zoboi and Yusef Salaam's collaborative effort
shines through in the depth and complexity of Amal's character, inviting
readers to empathize with his experiences and reflect on the injustices
perpetuated by society.
Beyond its gripping narrative,
"Punching the Air" is an important work that sheds light on the
urgent need for criminal justice reform. Inspired by Salaam's own experiences
as one of the Exonerated Five, the novel confronts issues of racial profiling,
wrongful incarceration, and the dehumanizing effects of incarceration. Through
Amal's story, Zoboi and Salaam challenge readers to confront the systemic
inequalities that plague the justice system and to advocate for change.
"Punching the Air" is a timely and poignant reminder of the power of
art and storytelling to inspire empathy, ignite activism, and drive social
change.
"Punching the Air" is an important work that sheds light on the
urgent need for criminal justice reform. Inspired by Salaam's own experiences
as one of the Exonerated Five, the novel confronts issues of racial profiling,
wrongful incarceration, and the dehumanizing effects of incarceration. Through
Amal's story, Zoboi and Salaam challenge readers to confront the systemic
inequalities that plague the justice system and to advocate for change.
"Punching the Air" is a timely and poignant reminder of the power of
art and storytelling to inspire empathy, ignite activism, and drive social
change.
briarsaturn's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
edshara's review against another edition
4.0
This is beautifully written and it made me emotional. Since it’s written in verse, I listened to the audiobook while following along in my copy and it’s nicely narrated. With all that said this book is a good read and I’d definitely recommend it, however, I do have an issue.
I know the target audience is young adult so with that in mind I know it’s important to show them how things are. My main issue though is most POC’s walk around with a simmering rage or some underlying anger or frustration, that tends to bubble up or boil over when we hear about incidents like this on the news. Most POC’s can feel and identify this pain, frustration and sense of injustice, young or old. So I wish instead of focusing on the before and the during, that they would have explored the possible after. How does one truly navigate the world, when all is said and done? I wanted some joy, some restoration, a big finale. Instead, even though it’s great, it just feels like the same old thing.
I know the target audience is young adult so with that in mind I know it’s important to show them how things are. My main issue though is most POC’s walk around with a simmering rage or some underlying anger or frustration, that tends to bubble up or boil over when we hear about incidents like this on the news. Most POC’s can feel and identify this pain, frustration and sense of injustice, young or old. So I wish instead of focusing on the before and the during, that they would have explored the possible after. How does one truly navigate the world, when all is said and done? I wanted some joy, some restoration, a big finale. Instead, even though it’s great, it just feels like the same old thing.
rbharath's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I cannot remember reading any long story in verse, and I was not sure how the experience would be. This is an extremely poignant and powerful story. Being written in verse, adds to its beauty. Yusef Salaam is one of the exonerated five (accused in the Central Park rape case). I am well aware of the tragedy from both sides of the case – the assault and rape of Trisha Meili (I read her book “I am the Central Park Jogger”) and the five who were accused, convicted and later exonerated (I saw the excellent & moving Netflix series “When They See Us”). This book clearly borrows from Yusef Salaam’s experience in court and prison, though it is a different story.
Amal, an African American Muslim youngster is in court, accused of assaulting Jeremy Mathis, a white kid. The case is one of attempted murder with a deadly weapon (a skateboard). There was an altercation among a bunch of kids. Of the 5 who were accused, 4 took a plea deal. His mother Umi is worried, as many small incidents which should be considered typical at his age are being used to paint a picture of Amal as a troublemaker given to episodes of uncontrollable rage.
"The people who know me
really know me
are not the ones
the judge and jury want to hear from"
“All because
we were in the wrong place
we were in the wrong skins
we were in the wrong time
we were in the wrong bodies
we were in the wrong country
we were in the wrong
were in the wrong
in the wrong
the wrong
wrong
All because
they were in the right place
they were in the right skins
they were in the right time
they were in the right bodies
they were”
Amal is found guilty of aggravated assault and battery. His relatives are stunned and disappointed. A large part of the story is his experience in jail – the harsh prison conditions which are de-humanizing, with the added challenge of coping with gangs & abuse. He prefers to be alone and turns his attention to painting for solace.
“I
have a
crayon and paper
I didn't know that
I could hold this little
bit of freedom in my hands”
This is a powerful story of inherent prejudice permeating society & law enforcement. Amal’s character is moving, and though she has far lesser space – his mother Umi as well. Their helplessness as they knock all possible avenues to seek justice hits you. With pressure to nab culprits and fix accountability, it is easy to presume some to be the guilty lot. Despite the stated checks & balances in the justice system, for some getting fairness & justice is an uphill (often losing) battle. Verse is an extremely powerful format for this story. I would have liked the book to go further with the story, and yet the way it ends also sends a strong message.
A book I strongly recommend.
Amal, an African American Muslim youngster is in court, accused of assaulting Jeremy Mathis, a white kid. The case is one of attempted murder with a deadly weapon (a skateboard). There was an altercation among a bunch of kids. Of the 5 who were accused, 4 took a plea deal. His mother Umi is worried, as many small incidents which should be considered typical at his age are being used to paint a picture of Amal as a troublemaker given to episodes of uncontrollable rage.
"The people who know me
really know me
are not the ones
the judge and jury want to hear from"
“All because
we were in the wrong place
we were in the wrong skins
we were in the wrong time
we were in the wrong bodies
we were in the wrong country
we were in the wrong
were in the wrong
in the wrong
the wrong
wrong
All because
they were in the right place
they were in the right skins
they were in the right time
they were in the right bodies
they were”
Amal is found guilty of aggravated assault and battery. His relatives are stunned and disappointed. A large part of the story is his experience in jail – the harsh prison conditions which are de-humanizing, with the added challenge of coping with gangs & abuse. He prefers to be alone and turns his attention to painting for solace.
“I
have a
crayon and paper
I didn't know that
I could hold this little
bit of freedom in my hands”
This is a powerful story of inherent prejudice permeating society & law enforcement. Amal’s character is moving, and though she has far lesser space – his mother Umi as well. Their helplessness as they knock all possible avenues to seek justice hits you. With pressure to nab culprits and fix accountability, it is easy to presume some to be the guilty lot. Despite the stated checks & balances in the justice system, for some getting fairness & justice is an uphill (often losing) battle. Verse is an extremely powerful format for this story. I would have liked the book to go further with the story, and yet the way it ends also sends a strong message.
A book I strongly recommend.
abaugher's review against another edition
5.0
Should poetry be read, or performed? This audiobook would be a perfect supporting example of why poetry can be powerfully impactful when performed.
The subject matter is also highly relevant, even more so now that so many miscarriages of justice involving black and brown people are being noticed more by white people. Without reading the summary at all, this book could be about any black boy caught up in the (in)justice system in the US, but those aware of the Central Park Five will recognize one of them in this young man's story, a story that, like the butterfly effect mentioned in it, shows small actions making big differences in the world, and in our own lives.
The subject matter is also highly relevant, even more so now that so many miscarriages of justice involving black and brown people are being noticed more by white people. Without reading the summary at all, this book could be about any black boy caught up in the (in)justice system in the US, but those aware of the Central Park Five will recognize one of them in this young man's story, a story that, like the butterfly effect mentioned in it, shows small actions making big differences in the world, and in our own lives.
peachykeenebooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
rrowanreads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
bujoxbooked's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This book has been on my list for a long while now, so I can finally check it off! Overall it was an alright book...I get the idea of it with shining a light on Black boys in the juvenile justice system and the systemic/outside factors that impact that. I liked that Amal was a very creative kid with his writing and his poetry and creative overall mindset.