Punching The Air is a young adult novel co-written by Yusef Salaam, who at the age of 15 was tried and convicted for a crime he was innocent of, the famed 'Central Park Five' case.
This story is inspired by his experience.
Amal Shahid is just 16 years old and has a promising future ahead of him when one night a simple case of him being at the wrong place at the wrong time sees him convicted of a crime.
He is alleged to have punched a young white male, leaving him in a coma.
Amal is found guilty and sent to juvenile detention.
He is filled with anger and despair, but finds comfort in writing poetry and art.
He also has the support of his family and friends to help get him through.
Amal means 'hope' in Arabic, and he is aptly named, as he remains hopeful that even though this was not the life he had planned, he can change it.
This is a really important story with a powerful message.
It is beautifully written.
Punching The Air explores a lot of topics including racism and the American judicial system.
The story is written in verse, interwoven with lovely illustrations, with not many words on each page, making it a quick read.
But the words that are used are compelling and packed with emotion.
I would definitely recommend this book, not only to young adults, but older readers as well.
Punching The Air is available now through Harper Collins Australia RRP $19.99
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