Help me give my students the amazing book Punching the Air. This book is relevant to my kids' lived experience, and will absolutely keep them engaged-- for some, it will be the first book they have finished.
PHS students are 80% African American, 14% Caucasian, and 78% are labeled "economically disadvantaged." Our community is made up of 18 neighborhoods, 14 of which are food deserts. Perry serves all 18. We are the only comprehensive high school on the North Side of Pittsburgh, which makes us a the most important place besides home for kids on this side of town.
My Project
Each student will receive a hardcopy of the book, Punching the Air, by National Book Award-finalist Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam, of the Exonerated Five, to keep. In my 13 years as a professional librarian, it is one of the finest books I have ever read for young adults.
Five Perry teachers are in the Student-Staff Book Club and will receive a copy, as well.
All of us will read the book as a learning community, to discuss and explore. The book club is a great way for students to think about books and words in a non-threatening environment, since we are all equal there, and it is a non-academic space. The book club meetings will also keep all of us reading, since we will have chapters "due" by the next meeting time. The rapport students and teachers build in the book club is essential to learning in general, but especially around reading.
Several copies of the book will go into the Perry Library, to stay in the catalog forever.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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