Punching the Air

by Ibi Zoboi & Yusef Salaam
Punching the Air cover
Good Books rating 4.53
Technical
  • ID: 3807
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
LeftLion · 2022-08-03
indispensable 4.50

This book is an honest and empathetic exploration of systemic issues, offering a timely and indispensable perspective. The semi-autobiographical nature adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.

The reviewer praises the book for its honest and empathetic portrayal of systemic issues, making it a timely and indispensable read. They appreciate the semi-autobiographical elements that add authenticity and depth to the story. The reviewer highlights how the book effectively addresses important societal issues, making it a powerful and relevant piece of literature. The emotional resonance and the way the story is told make it a standout work that resonates with readers.

Quick quotes

    Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam is clearly an honest, empathetic, and semi- autobiographical read.

    It is not a book that you read and forget.

    The illustrations throughout the book only add to this beautiful, hard-hitting, haunting and emotional novel.

Goodreads · 2020-09-01
devastating 4.40

This novel is deeply impactful and emotionally devastating, highlighting the poignant experiences of its protagonist. It is a powerful and important read that resonates strongly with the reader.

The reviewer found this novel to be incredibly moving and devastating, emphasizing its importance and the depth of emotion it evokes. They highlight how the story's portrayal of the protagonist's journey is both poignant and powerful, making it a must-read. The reviewer also mentions that the novel's impact is profound, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who reads it. The use of poetic verse and vivid imagery enhances the emotional weight of the story, making it a standout piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    I don't think I can express how important, poignant and devastating this novel was to read.

    The prose is beautiful, and the imagery is perfectly pitched to match Amal's feelings of regret, remorse and grief at the loss of his future.

    Each page incorporates poetic verse which enables the reader to view Amal's transition from school life to prison in an encapsulating manner.

The London Magazine · Amadea Hofmann · 2020-08-29
powerful 4.70

This novel is a powerful account of systemic racism and the fight against it, highlighting both individual and societal struggles. The reviewer finds it to be a timely and impactful read.

The reviewer describes the novel as an extraordinarily powerful account of systemic racism and the struggles faced by individuals within the criminal justice system. They emphasize how the story of a young boy's mistake leading to a conviction is both heart-wrenching and eye-opening. The reviewer also notes the book's timeliness and its ability to highlight ongoing societal issues, making it a crucial read for understanding and empathy. The emotional depth and the way the story is told make it a memorable and impactful piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    Punching the Air is a timely and indispensable read, highlighting both systematic issues, as well as the individuals who continue to fight against them.

    An extraordinarily powerful account of systemic racism in the American criminal justice system and how one mistake by a young black boy results in a conviction.

    The illustrations throughout the book only add to this beautiful, hard-hitting, haunting and emotional novel.

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