Punching the Air
by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam
Genre: Novel in Verse
Target Age Group: Grades 7-12
Summary
Punching the Air tells the story of Amal, a Black teenager wrongfully incarcerated after a violent altercation. Told through verse, the novel explores his journey of survival, resilience, and the power of art—especially poetry and visual imagery—as a means of hope and resistance.
Why I Chose This Book
I selected this title because it has been widely recognized on youth award and notable lists, including the American Library Association’s Best Fiction for Young Adults. As a novel in verse co-written by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam (of the Exonerated Five), it addresses contemporary issues of race, incarceration, and systemic injustice directly. I was also drawn to the audiobook format, which brought the poetry to life in a way that deepened the emotional impact of the text.
Evaluation
- Literary Style and Form
Following Children’s Literature, Briefly (Ch. 2 on literary elements), this novel in verse demonstrates how form can shape emotional resonance. The spare lines, white space, and repetition mirror Amal’s confinement yet also provide room for reflection and imagination. Chapter titles such as “Cacophony” or “Step into My Soul” highlight the musicality of the words, making the reading experience both poetic and performative. Listening to the audiobook underscored the rhythm and sound of the text, enhancing its roots in oral tradition.
2. Themes of Identity and Social Justice
As emphasized in Children’s Literature, Briefly (Ch. 3 on cultural and social contexts), the book centers on the realities of race, injustice, and resilience. Amal’s reflection on being perceived as “less Black” and his allusions to historic cases, such as the Central Park Jogger case, situate his story within a larger narrative of systemic oppression. His art, poetry, and painting become a counter-narrative, allowing him to assert his humanity despite dehumanizing circumstances.
3. Emotional Authenticity and Reader Impact
Drawing from Children’s Literature, Briefly (Ch. 4 on reader response), the authenticity of Amal’s voice makes the novel especially impactful for teen readers. Phrases like “My words have a life of their own but are locked up” or My punches will become a paintbrush” reflect the transformative potential of language. Teens navigating questions of justice, hope, or personal identity will find Amal’s journey both relatable and inspirational. The book acknowledges pain and anger while affirming creativity and hope, both of which are crucial for adolescent development.
Citation (APA 7th Edition)
Zoboi, I., & Salaam, Y. (2020). Punching the air. Balzer + Bray.
Delicious in Dungeon, Vol. 1
by Ryoko Kui
Genre: Manga Volume
Target Age Group: Grades 7-12
Summary
Delicious in Dungeon, Vol. 1 follows Laios and his adventuring party as they descend into a deadly dungeon, hungry and desperate after losing a battle. To survive, they turn to an unusual strategy: cooking and eating the very monsters they fight. Across seven chapters, readers witness the group experiment with fantastical dishes, blending comedy, world-building, and adventure in a unique “culinary dungeon crawl.”
Why I Chose This Book
I chose this manga because of its strong presence on youth booklists, including recognition by School Library Journal and its recent anime adaptation on Netflix, which has amplified its relevance for teen readers. It also intersects with Dungeons & Dragons culture, making it an accessible entry point for young adult gamers who may not typically read manga. I was curious to compare the manga with the show, and I found both equally fun and immersive.
Evaluation
- Form and Accessibility of Manga
As Children’s Literature, Briefly (Ch. 2 on literary form) discusses, the format of a text shapes comprehension. Reading right-to-left and back-to-front is initially disorienting for readers unfamiliar with manga, but the structure quickly becomes intuitive. For teens who primarily read Western comics, this presents a meaningful literacy stretch. The strong visual flow, panel pacing, and scientific detail in the recipes make the narrative highly engaging, showing how form can invite deeper participation.
2. Worldbuilding and Setting as Narrative Power
Following Children’s Literature, Briefly (Ch. 3 on context), Kui’s elaborate backgrounds, maps, and monster designs elevate the story beyond a comedic premise. The dungeon is presented as a living ecosystem, and malnutrition is portrayed as a greater threat than monsters. This layered setting provides authenticity: readers learn that “unless you eat you can’t get strong, and unless you’re strong you can’t eat”. The worldbuilding reflects immense preparation, transforming what could be a silly story into a meaningful exploration of survival.
3. Reader Engagement and Thematic Resonance
As noted in Children’s Literature, Briefly (Ch. 4 on reader response), humor and cultural crossover are powerful hooks for adolescent readers. The combination of food culture, fantasy tropes, and D&D logic makes the series highly appealing. Chapters like “Chapter 5. Kakiage” mix comedy with practical life skills, showing the unexpected seriousness beneath the lighthearted tone. The illustrated dishes, use of magical languages, and playful themes invite readers to laugh while also learning, encouraging them to see fantasy worlds as mirrors of real-world concerns (like hunger, teamwork, and resourcefulness).
Citation (APA 7th Edition)
Kui, R. (2017). Delicious in dungeon, vol. 1. Yen Press.
The Collectors: Stories
edited by A.S. King
Genre: Printz Winner
Target Age Group: Grades 7-12 (Recommended for 16+)
Summary
The Collectors: Stories (edited by A. S. King, 2024 Printz Award Winner)brings together nine powerhouse YA authors in a celebration of the strange, the heartfelt, and the unapologetically weird. Each story centers on teens navigating identity, trauma, love, and the complexities of growing up without the expectation of fitting into any mold. The collection defies boundaries, spanning fantasy, realism, and surrealism, inviting readers to “go weird” and embrace imperfection as a source of power.
Why I Chose This Book
I selected this title because of its Printz Award recognition and its bold editorial premise. As a fan of A. S. King’s unique voice and experimental storytelling, I was drawn to how she curated a space for other authors to explore themes of identity, queerness, grief, and self-expression. The anthology’s focus on emotional authenticity and creative freedom makes it a standout among YA collections, offering valuable insight into the minds and experiences of modern teens.
Evaluation
- Structure & Variety
The anthology format works beautifully here, creating a tapestry of voices that feel distinct yet interconnected through the shared thread of emotional honesty. Each story represents a distinct aspect of the teenage experience. From surreal encounters to raw realism. The pacing of the audiobook version effectively enhances this diversity, with each narrator shifting tone and energy to match the story’s tone and energy.
2. Voice & Themes
Every author approaches adolescence with unfiltered sincerity. The stories tackle difficult subjects. Mental health, sex, death, identity crises, but without sensationalizing them. Instead, they validate the messiness of teen life. Jason Reynolds’ A Recording for Carole Before It All Goes stands out as a highlight. His story, about a grandchild recording their grandmother’s fading memories, blends lyrical rhythm with profound tenderness. It anchors the collection in humanity, contrasting with more chatoic or abstract pieces, and demonstrates the balance between experimentation and heart.
3. Cultural & Emotional Relevance
The collection mirrors the emotional landscape of Gen Z teens. Fluid, self-aware, and searching for meaning in a fractured world. The use of slang and frank language grounds the book in contemporary culture, although it also makes the text more suitable for mature readers (16+). Each author contributes a story that reflects a different lived experience, queer, BIPOC, and neurodivergent, making the anthology a powerful mirror for readers who rarely see themselves represented authentically.
Citation (APA 7th Edition)
King, A. S. (Ed.). (2024). The collectors: Stories [Audiobook]. Dutton Books for Young Readers.
Gender Queer: A Memoir
by Maia Kobabe
Genre: Banned or Challenged Book
Target Age Group: Grades 7-12 (Recommended for 18+)
Summary
Gender Queer is Maia Kobabe’s autobiographical graphic memoir about eir journey toward understanding eir identity as nonbinary and asexual. Told through a mix of childhood memories, school experiences, and early adulthood milestones, Kobabe uses both words and illustrations to walk readers through the confusion, curiosity, and clarity that shaped eir life.
Why I Chose This Book
I chose Gender Queer because it is not only one of the most frequently banned books in the country, but also one of the most honest looks at gender identity available for teens. As a future youth-serving professional, I knew I needed to understand exactly what this book is doing. Both the powerful parts and the controversial ones. So I can talk about it responsibly. But honestly, I also picked it because it pulled me right away. Kobabe’s memories of trying to figure out reading in early childhood, drawing snakes constantly, and feeling “not like everyone else” even in preschool made me pause. So many of us have those tiny childhood moments that end up defining us, and I found myself connecting to that while reading.
Evaluation
- Literary & Visual Elements
The graphic novel format fits this story perfectly. Kobabe’s artwork is clean and expressive, and the mostly neutral, earthy color choices keep the focus on emotion and memory. I especially appreciated how the visuals helped explain hard-to-put-into-words experiences like dysphoria, uncertainty, and relief. From a literacy standpoint, Kobabe’s story highlights how non-linear reading development can be. Ey didn’t learn to read until age 11, and yet went on to earn a master’s degree in comics. Those details matter for kids who don’t follow the “normal” pattern. The book validates them.
2. Authentic Representation
Kobabe pulls from real influences, Alanna the Lioness, Harry Potter, Strangers in Paradise, and even David Bowie, to show how identity forms piece by piece. These bits stood out to me because they’re the kinds of things kids latch onto long before they have language for their feelings. The sections where Maia talks openly about imagining different anatomy or trying to understand sexuality for the first time at 11 or 12 are honest and vulnerable. They might make some readers or adults uncomfortable, but they’re also exactly the kinds of questions teens have and rarely see represented.
3. Why It Gets Challenged & Why It Still Matters
Some panels in the book include sexual content, masturbation, anatomy, and puberty-related imagery. These pages are usually what people challenge, but they’re only a tiny part of a much larger coming-of-age journey. Nothing felt gratuitous to me: it all fits naturally into Kobabe’s story of figuring out eir body and identity. And honestly, some of those sections hit me personally, too. Not because of the images themselves, but because of the honesty behind them. They reminded me how rare it is for teens to get access to stories that tell the truth about growing up without shame. Removing this book from libraries doesn’t protect kids; it erases a perspective that many young readers desperately need. Even if it’s not the right book for every teen, it should absolutely be available to those who see themselves in it.
Citation (APA 7th Edition)
Kobabe, M. (2019). Gender queer: A memoir. Oni Press.
Lover Birds
by Leanne Egan
Genre: LGBTQ+
Target Age Group: Grades 7-12
Summary
Lover Birds is a queer enemies-to-lovers romance set in Liverpool. Eloise, who has ADHD, clashes with Isabel, the posh new girl, from the moment she arrives. Their rivalry slowly unravels into something more complicated as harsh misinformation, class tension, and secrets get in the way, but beneath it all, both girls are forced to examine what they truly feel. It’s not just another “first crush” story. It’s about rivalry, personal challenges, and the messy, beautiful way love sneaks up when you least expect it. For teens who want representation, nuance, and a love story that’s both real and hopeful, this is a must-read.
Why I Chose This Book
I chose Lover Birds because it checks so many important boxes: LGBTQ+ representation, neurodiversity (ADHD), and a modern romance that feels grounded. For my YA queer slot, this felt especially relevant, so many teen queer books lean into trauma, but this one leans into humor, rivalry, and messy first love in a way that feels real and hopeful. Also, it’s a debut by Leanne Egan, a queer, non-binary writer, who brings authenticity to the story. The enemies-to-lovers trope plus the realistic depiction of ADHD make it more than just a rom-com. It’s a story about growth, trust, and understanding.
Evaluation
- Characterization & Voice
Eloise and Isabel are written as full, complicated teens. Eloise’s ADHD is part of her identity (not just a “quirky” trait), and that affects how she thinks, reacts, and feels. Isabel, on the other hand, brings class tension and guardedness. Their voices are distinct, and their rivalry feels like it could actually happen in a modern school setting. This aligns with how realistic character development can create deeper connections for young adult readers.
2. Representation & Emotional Depth
This novel handles queerness in a natural and affirming way. Eloise and Isabel’s attraction doesn’t feel forced or overly dramatic. At the same time, the ADHD representation is real and honest; Eloise’s struggles with focus, expectations, and self-image are portrayed with nuance. These layered identities create a narrative that feels welcoming to marginalized readers and educational for others. The combination of neurodiversity and queerness makes this an emotionally rich read with real heart.
3. Themes & Social Impact
Beyond romance, Lover Birds explores class, secrets, and what it means to be seen and loved. The story suggests that love isn’t just about chemistry. It’s about understanding and growth. These themes make the novel a strong candidate for discussions in library youth programs or book clubs: What does “rivalry” hide? How do social status and personal history shape relationships? How do we learn to trust?.
Citation (APA 7th Edition)
Egan, L. (2025). Lover Birds. Scholastic Inc.
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