Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam

Title: Punching the Air
Author: Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam
Genre: Young Adult

This is an incredible book for two reasons: it not only tells a powerful and moving story, but it does so in verse. The book is entirely written in poems that reveal the inner thoughts, fears, and dreams of a young Black boy who is convicted of a crime he did not commit. Stuck in prison and terrified, you follow him as he tries to navigate this new world and finds refuge in his art. Salaam is one of the Exonerated Five (formerly known as the Central Park Five) who was himself falsely accused and convicted of a crime. The emotions and artistry of this story blew me away.

- Meagan

Check out Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam @ the library!