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groesver's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
janagaton's review
4.0
Though I probably would've enjoyed this book more had I read it physically rather than audibly, that does not deter from the creatively powerful and beautiful writing. In addition to the book being told in verse, I especially loved that our main character loves art & reading, and that those things help him get through his time in jail. This is yet another important story highlighting injustices and oppression towards Black people, even those of young ages, that needs to be told and internalized.
cesttemps's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
iri00's review
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
aftaerglows's review
4.0
say it with me: the prison system in america is a form of legal slavery and should be abolished
brendalovesbooks's review
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
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
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
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.