Dickens & Rumi
Cover of PUNCHING THE AIR

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PUNCHING THE AIR

Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam

Convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and sent to prison, Amal uses the freedom of art to overcome his incarceration. (Ages 14 to 17)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The book deals with heavy themes including systemic racism, wrongful imprisonment, and the emotional toll of incarceration. It is appropriate for mid-to-older teens who can engage with complex social commentary. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Religious themes3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Diverse representation5/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

The central incident involves serious harm and fear of consequences, but death is not the main focus.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Brief, non-gratuitous mentions of physical injuries sustained in fights.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild profanity reflects the grit of the setting.

Religious themes3/5
Why this rating?

Islam and Amal’s Muslim identity meaningfully shape his experiences, reflections, and development throughout the story.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Teen feelings and relationship questions appear, but romance is secondary to family, art, friendship, and justice.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Arrest, incarceration, institutional danger, isolation, and uncertainty create sustained emotional tension.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional references to drugs and alcohol in the broader social context of the characters' environment.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

A fight and its aftermath drive the plot; aggression, threats, policing, and prison tensions are important but not graphically depicted.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

Finding a voice, resisting dehumanization, confronting injustice, and continuing to create require sustained moral and emotional courage.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Poetry and visual art are central tools for self-expression, healing, resistance, and making sense of experience.

Diverse representation5/5
Why this rating?

The book centers a Black Muslim teenager and explores race, faith, class, criminalization, and varied community perspectives with depth.

Educational value4/5
Why this rating?

It encourages reflection on racism, the justice system, incarceration, Islamophobia, poetry, and visual art through a personal story.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Family, friendship, mentorship, empathy, and solidarity help the protagonist endure injustice and develop his voice.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes address racial injustice, wrongful conviction, voice, dignity, accountability, family support, and the transformative power of art.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows growth and persistence, while supportive adults and peers model advocacy, care, and creative expression.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in PUNCHING THE AIR would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in PUNCHING THE AIR, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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