upgirlcd's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is powerful.
This book speaks truth from a perspective most of us do not ever see.
As a Caucasian, Gen X woman, it is perspective for me to deeply wrap my head & heart around. My privilege.
I've been wrongly accused of shit like- sleeping with someone's man; passing a school bus.
Not even relatable to the color of my skin getting me incarcerated for assault.
The hip hop poetic writing makes this work even more powerful.
Read Punching the Air.
Moderate: Forced institutionalization, Violence, Police brutality, and Confinement
sglance9's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Police brutality, Racial slurs, Racism, and Confinement
Moderate: Slavery and Violence
zombiezami's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Confinement, Racial slurs, Police brutality, Violence, Racism, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Cursing, and Classism
Minor: Death of parent, Death, Medical content, and Slavery
takarakei's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Police brutality
Minor: Bullying
camiereads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Graphic: Police brutality and Racism
missrosymaplemoth's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Police brutality
shadowandsnow's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The way this story is told through poetry and art is amazing. The audiobook is amazing to listen to and really paints a vivid image of Amal’s struggles in the detention centre. The way this story is told in verse is incredibly beautiful and again, listening to the audiobook made it that more impactful to hear.
Overall, an incredibly impactful and moving story.
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, and Violence
Moderate: Police brutality
Minor: Islamophobia and Blood
a_alves00's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Confinement, Police brutality, Racial slurs, and Racism
effect3cause's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Racial slurs, Police brutality, Racism, and Violence
cranedphoenix's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Wasn't expecting the book to end when it did so I was a bit disappointed (reading from my ereader) and it felt a little abrupt because of that
Otherwise it was a solid read, not my most favorite book but not a bad one probably in the middle ranking star wise
I do love how they use art throughout the book
Spoiler
especially when his art teacher doesn't believe what he creates is his truthI will also say
Spoiler
the officer who has a tattoo is so accurate in symbolism and yet picturing that tattoo is nerve wrackingGraphic: Racial slurs, Violence, Racism, and Police brutality
Moderate: Confinement and Classism