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Resources to Accompany the Study of the Novel Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi

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Published in Learning Workbook: Punching The Air: Resources To Accompany The Study Of The Novel Punching The Air By Ibi Zoboi And Yusef Salaam

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Learning Workbook: Punching the Air: Resources to accompany the study of the novel "Punching the Air" by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam

by Maya Banks

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	355 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	24 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Ibi Zoboi's novel Punching the Air is a powerful and moving story about a young man named Amal who is wrongfully convicted of a crime he didn't commit. While in prison, Amal finds solace in writing poetry and discovers his voice as an artist. The novel explores themes of race, injustice, and the power of art to heal and transform.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to resources that can be used to accompany the study of Punching the Air. The resources include discussion questions, activities, and links to online resources. These resources are designed to help students engage with the novel's themes, characters, and ideas.

Discussion Questions

1. What are the main themes of Punching the Air? How does Zoboi explore these themes through the characters and events of the novel? 2. How does Amal's experience of being wrongfully convicted shape his identity and his art? 3. What is the significance of poetry in the novel? How does poetry help Amal to cope with his experiences and to find his voice? 4. How does the novel explore the intersection of race and class in the United States? 5. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the novel? What did you like and dislike about it?

Activities

1. Have students write a poem from Amal's perspective. The poem can be about his experiences in prison, his hopes and dreams for the future, or anything else that comes to mind. 2. Have students create a collage that represents the themes of the novel. The collage can include images, words, and phrases that students feel are important to the novel. 3. Have students research the history of wrongful convictions in the United States. They can present their findings to the class in a presentation or written report. 4. Have students interview someone who has been wrongfully convicted. The interview can be about the person's experience with the criminal justice system, the impact of their wrongful conviction on their life, and their hopes for the future.

Online Resources

1. [Interview with Ibi Zoboi](https://www.npr.org/2018/12/05/673717662/ibi-zoboi-punching-the-air) 2. [Teaching Guide for Punching the Air](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/teachers-guides/teaching-guide-punching-the-air/) 3. [Resources for Teaching Punching the Air](https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/fall-2020/teaching-punching-the-air) 4. [Lesson Plan for Punching the Air](https://www.edutopia.org/article/lesson-plan-punching-air/) 5. [Book Club Guide for Punching the Air](https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/books/g25666995/punching-the-air-book-club-questions/)

Punching the Air is a powerful and moving novel that can be used to teach students about important issues such as race, injustice, and the power of art to heal and transform. The resources provided in this article can help students to engage with the novel's themes, characters, and ideas in a meaningful way.

Learning Workbook: Punching the Air: Resources to accompany the study of the novel "Punching the Air" by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam

by Maya Banks

4.5 out of 5