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A review by bookish_olga
Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi, Yusef Salaam
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.