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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

"Punching the Air" by Ibi Zoboi is a powerful and moving novel that tells the story of Amal Shahid, a young black man who is wrongly convicted of a crime and sent to prison. The novel explores themes of race, justice, and redemption, and it has been widely praised for its unflinching honesty and its lyrical prose.

This article provides a comprehensive collection of resources to accompany the study of "Punching the Air." These resources include discussion questions, writing prompts, literary analysis tools, and more. They are designed to help students engage with the novel's complex themes and characters, and to develop their critical thinking and analytical skills.

Discussion Questions

* What are the major themes of "Punching the Air"? How are these themes developed throughout the novel? * How does Amal's experience in prison change him? What does he learn about himself and the world? * What is the significance of the novel's title? How does it relate to the themes of the novel? * What are the different ways that race and justice are explored in the novel? How does Zoboi challenge our assumptions about these issues? * How does Zoboi use language to create a sense of place and atmosphere in the novel? What are the effects of her use of language on the reader?

Writing Prompts

* Write an essay analyzing the character of Amal Shahid. What are his strengths and weaknesses? How does he change and grow throughout the novel? * Write a poem or short story from Amal's perspective. Explore his thoughts and feelings about his experiences in prison. * Write a letter to Ibi Zoboi expressing your thoughts and feelings about the novel. What did you learn from reading it? How did it affect you? * Write a research paper on the topic of mass incarceration in the United States. What are the causes and consequences of mass incarceration? How does it affect communities of color? * Write a screenplay adaptation of "Punching the Air." How would you translate the novel's themes and characters to the screen?

Literary Analysis Tools

* Character Analysis Chart: This chart can be used to track the development of Amal Shahid and other characters throughout the novel. * Theme Analysis Chart: This chart can be used to identify and track the development of the novel's major themes. * Symbolism Chart: This chart can be used to identify and track the use of symbolism in the novel. * Literary Devices Chart: This chart can be used to identify and track the use of literary devices in the novel, such as metaphors, similes, and imagery.

Additional Resources

* Ibi Zoboi's website: https://ibizoboi.com/ * "Punching the Air" discussion guide: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/575673/punching-the-air-by-ibi-zoboi/9780593110433/discussion-guide * "Punching the Air" study guide: https://www.litcharts.com/lit/punching-the-air * "Punching the Air" lesson plans: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/Search:punching%20the%20air * "Punching the Air" book club kit: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/book-clubs/book-club-kits/punching-the-air-by-ibi-zoboi

"Punching the Air" is a powerful and moving novel that has much to offer students. The resources provided in this article can help students engage with the novel's complex themes and characters, and to develop their critical thinking and analytical skills. We hope that these resources will help you to teach and learn from this important work of literature.

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