Punching the Air

"Punching the Air" is a compelling YA novel that delves deep into the heart of racial and criminal justice through the poignant tale of Amal Shahid, a young artist and poet wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. Penned by Ibi Zoboi in collaboration with prison reform activist Yusef Salaam of the Exonerated Five, this narrative unfolds in a lyrical format, capturing the essence of Amal's struggle and resilience within a biased system that sees him as nothing more than disruptive. Released on September 1, 2020, this novel not only garnered critical acclaim, securing spots on lists from Time Magazine, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal as one of the best books of the year but also resonated deeply with its audience, becoming a New York Times and USA Today bestseller. High school readers will find "Punching the Air" an enriching exploration of themes like injustice, self-expression, and the power of art as a means of survival and protest. This book challenges readers to question the systems around them and inspires through Amal’s transformative journey within the confines of injustice.