Punching the Air

Thanks to #NetGalley for the eARC, as this has been on my most-anticipated list this year! Written by the incomprable Ibi Zoboi with Dr. Yusef Salaam, of the Exonerated Five, this novel in verse is POWERFUL, Rarely do authors get to have a say in their cover, but they managed to convey such emotion just with that image alone. I'm already ordering a set to use with our English 1 teachers, as there is so much for students to unpack, discuss, write about, and grapple with. I appreciated most of all that Amal's story is so nuanced and emotionally raw, dealing with such humanity and powerful, real, themes, and leaving space for readers to form opinions and sit and think about what's happening in the story, all the way to the end. A top pick of the year and likely making next year's ProjectLit list.

First a clarification - I thought going in that it was based on the actual story of the Central Park 5, which it isn't, but Amal's story is an echo of thousands of real stories.

I want every person, and especially every American, to read this book. It is a beautiful, well-titled gut punch that emptied me out. I cannot find words to put to the emotions it carries. All I can say is, this book left me hungry for justice, and that is a good hunger to have.

I'm going to go cry now.

I LOVED IT!!

TW: Racism, Police brutality, Violence, Whites using the N-word (-er).

thank you netgalley for the advanced audio arc.

This was such a raw and emotional book. Showcasing the truths of the american justice system. A system that is unjustly against black bodied people. Though it may have been a work of fiction, it is very much the hard truth for many that have been (and still are) unjustly incarnated. Between the beautiful poetic writing style that packed a punch in every chapter. And Amal's character and story arc that left you hopeful for justice. I can see this book making such an impact in so many lives.

I definitely recommend this book to every one!!

Heartbreaking how all-too-common this experience is for Black teens. I loved how there was a good teacher - Imani - and a bad teacher - Ms. Rinaldi because while so many teachers are wonderful there are some that reinforce the school to prison pipeline, especially for students of color. It just goes to show how important teachers and admins of color are.

Beautiful writing and such strong characterizations as well.

I LOVED IT!!

TW: Racism, Police brutality, Violence, Whites using the N-word (-er).

thank you netgalley for the advanced audio arc.

This was such a raw and emotional book. Showcasing the truths of the american justice system. A system that is unjustly against black bodied people. Though it may have been a work of fiction, it is very much the hard truth for many that have been (and still are) unjustly incarnated. Between the beautiful poetic writing style that packed a punch in every chapter. And Amal's character and story arc that left you hopeful for justice. I can see this book making such an impact in so many lives.

I definitely recommend this book to every one!!