Punching the Air

Have you ever felt misunderstood, your voice silenced by a world that refuses to see your truth? Discover how a young Black artist finds his power and fights back against a wrongful conviction, using only his creativity as a weapon in a system designed to break him. This powerful story, told in verse, takes you inside the mind of sixteen-year-old Amal. You'll witness his journey through the juvenile justice system, where his art and poetry become his lifeline. Learn how he confronts anger, injustice, and despair to reclaim his identity and humanity, proving that even when caged, the spirit can't be contained.

Ibi Zoboi is a National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestselling author whose work is grounded in the folklore and history of the Haitian diaspora. A native of Haiti and an immigrant to a teenage New York City, she uses her own experiences to explore the complex intersections of race, identity, and belonging. Her writing gives a powerful voice to young people navigating the challenges of finding their place in the world, making her a vital storyteller for our time.