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Paul does astounding full-day school visits, teaching five classes per day.
Contact Paul Volponi at pavolpo@cs.com for an author visit to your school, library, or classroom.
Unlike most visiting authors, I arrive at a school by the opening bell, ready to work 5 classroom periods. I usually do two reader workshops (with approx. 30-40 students in each grouping), a single-period writing workshop with students who don't consider themselves to be writers, and a double-period creative writing workshop with your more ambitious writers (or any combination of these classroom periods that we agree upon in advance, even if you have block scheduling).
Why are my reader workshops so highly regarded by educators? They are born of my own experience as a reluctant/non-reader in both middle school and high school. I was absolutely the last student you'd imagine to author 20 books, win multiple literary awards, and be on reading lists across the country. I use my personal journey to connect with hesitant readers (including my six years of teaching incarcerated teens on Rikers Island), showing how their daily lives reflect many of the themes found in literature. During creative writing workshops, I offer to do something that few visiting authors will do. That's read one page of work in advance from each student attending. That allows me to walk through the door knowing the names, strengths and weakness of many students—allowing for highly-targeted workshop to improve skills and vision. I also give realistic advice on how to become published.
★ Paul talks about his workshops on the news
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SpongeBob SquarePants: The Unauthorized Fun-Ography
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Both students and adults will devour the biography, excuse me, fun-ography. And thank you SO much to Tom Kenny (the voice of SpongeBob) for all of his help with this book.
The first, long-overdue book on SpongeBob SquarePants for all ages.
When SpongeBob SquarePants debuted in 1999, the fun-loving, pure-hearted title character took the world of animation by storm, riding a virtual tsunami of praise. As the 25th anniversary of the show nears, it's time to look back at where it all began and revisit all the adventures from the best episodes.
In SpongeBob SquarePants: The Unauthorized Fun-ography, award-winning author Paul Volponi presents the first ever "biography" of the show, exploring its origins and providing insight into the characters, the episodes, the voices, and the fans. From jellyfishing with Patrick Star and irritating Squidward Tentacles, to flipping Krabbie Patties at the Krusty Krab and attending boating school with Mrs. Puff, this book covers it all. Volponi even includes fascinating details pulled straight from the pitch bible used by creator Stephen Hillenburg to sell the show to Nickelodeon, revealing how SpongeBob SquarePants became the network's first original Saturday morning cartoon.
Featuring quotes from an exclusive, in-depth interview with Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob, as well as quiz questions in every chapter to test the reader's SpongeBob IQ, SpongeBob SquarePants is the perfect book for all fans of the dorky and loveable talking sea sponge and his band of friends.
"What makes this biography particularly special is the way that Volponi captures the essence of SpongeBob's character. He explores the reasons why SpongeBob has become such a beloved character, delving into his infectious optimism, his unwavering loyalty to his friends, and his unbridled enthusiasm for life. SpongeBob SquarePants: The Unauthorized Fun-ography is a must-read for any fan of the show. Volponi's writing is insightful, entertaining, and informative, making this book an absolute delight to read. Whether you're a long-time fan of SpongeBob or a newcomer to the world of Bikini Bottom, this book is sure to bring a smile to your face and leave you feeling inspired." –Julie Noblitt, public school library media specialist
"Volponi writes with a tone that is engaging and entertaining while at the same time highlighting the importance of this pop culture icon. This is a book that kids and adults will enjoy." –Kristian Rivera, public school library media specialist
"What a fun read! As a librarian and a long-time SpongeBob fan, I am thrilled about this book! It was fascinating to learn about Stephen Hillenburg's inspiration for the creation of the series, to hear what Tom Kenny had to say about voicing the iconic character, and to recount many of the greatest SpongeBob episodes of all time. This book is sure to capture the attention of any SpongeBob fan, while also offering valuable insights into the creative process. And, it's full of one thing we all love: F.U.N.!" –Julie Taylor, public school library media specialist
Purchase this book at:
Rowman & Littlefield
Or your local independent bookstore
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The 32 Principles: Harnessing the Power of Jiu-jitsu to Succeed in Business, Relationships and Life
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by co-authors Rener Gracie, Paul Volponi
A Barnes&Noble.com and Amazon.com BESTSELLER!
Paul's Perspective for the Reader:
Ever want to grapple alongside one of the Gracies? That's right, the family who invented the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which is an incredible sport, an essential part of today's mixed martial arts (MMA), and a superb self-defense system. Well, that's the interesting thing about being a writer: You never know exactly which literary door is going to open next or where you'll suddenly find yourself.
As a journalist and author, I've picked up my pen alongside jockeys who've won the Kentucky Derby, taking the ride with them as they motivate a 1,500-pound Thoroughbred to reach for the wire through the final furlong beneath the twin spires of Churchill Downs. I've recounted the experiences of people who rode out Hurricane Katrina through the darkness and mayhem of the Superdome. And I've walked the dangerous and overcrowded halls of Rikers Island, the world's largest jail, transcribing that too-often-told story about one regretful moment forever impacting someone's life. So when I signed with BenBella Books to co-author a book with famed jiu-jitsu instructor Rener Gracie on bringing the immense positives of jiu-jitsu into the daily lives of non-martial artists, I understood that once again I needed to morph into the type of experience-sharing chameleon that only a writer can seemingly become.
Before the project became a reality at BenBella, I had bumped into Rener Gracie on-line and asked about writing something specifically on him and the Gracie lineage. Rener, however, had a different idea in mind. He was intently focused on turning his bestselling video series The 32 Principles, which he developed with his brother, Ryron, into a book. He sent me a link, and I sat down to watch it. I understood that this would be a supreme challenge for me as a writer. Though I had diligently studied martial arts for more than a decade, I had never taken a single lesson in jiu-jitsu. Despite the video series being aimed at jiu-jitsu practitioners, the principles therein were incredibly universal, lending themselves to nearly every aspect of daily life. I felt completely comfortable with them, and I sensed that Rener and I could eventually create that same feeling for readers, no matter their martial arts IQ.
I sat down to interview Rener a total of 32 times, and he didn't disappoint. He dug exceptionally deeply into his personal life to communicate a relevant story for each of the principles covered in the book, which would eventually be titled The 32 Principles: Harnessing the Power of Jiu-jitsu to Succeed in Business, Relationships and Life. Rener was a touchingly open book about the passing of his beloved mother, explaining how the Detachment Principle allowed his closest circle of family to let her go in peace. He spoke about how the Clock Principle allowed him to connect with a young student who suffered from severe anxiety issues, and sat in the backseat of his mom's car with the teen, waiting as long as was necessary for the moment of calm in an emotional storm, in order to escort him into Rener's jiu-jitsu school for the first time. The instructor also recounted the stories of several middle school and high school students across the country who had been the victims of senseless, unprovoked violence, sharing how he and his brother brought many of those students and their families to California for a week to learn jiu-jitsu, leaning on the Momentum Principle that the events in your life, even traumatic ones, can lead you to a new and positive open door.
During the course of the writing, it became my passion to make this burgeoning book even more inclusive by gaining outside perspectives. So I set out to find contributors–some famous, some not, but all extraordinary–who had used these same principles to scale the mountains in their own lives. I was extremely thankful to interview 2x-Olympic Gold Medal winner Kayla Harrison, who as a teen suffered sexual abuse by a former coach and formed a foundation to help others who have been victimized. That was followed by an interview with blind Paralympian Maria Liana Mutia, whose use of the arts helped her to define the boundaries of her constantly changing surroundings, and pro bowler Anthony Pepe, who had recently made the decision to publicly acknowledge his sexuality.
In all, over 40 incredible individuals agreed to illustrate their use of these principles. They include Seinfeld actor Larry Thomas (a.k.a. The Soup Nazi), legendary pool player Allison Fisher, poker star Maria Ho, champion jockey Julie Krone, jazz drummer Peter Erskine, famed martial artist Ron Van Clief, twin sisters and Iditarod competitors Anna and Kristy Berington, glass ceiling-breaking athlete and scholar Dr. AnnaMaria DeMars (Rhonda Rousey's mom), and youth counselor Shel Simon, who demonstrated the Ratchet Principle by gaining credits for his degree one night class at a time while working 10-hour days as a single parent, and ultimately securing his dream job of helping struggling teens on the streets of Baltimore.
In fact, the jiu-jitsu principles that Rener and his brother identified were so classical in nature, being long recognized as the building blocks of a balanced life, that historical parallels found their way into our project.
That process began with Thurgood Marshall's associative use of the Posture Principle in upsetting the opposing side's foundational theory in Brown vs. Board of Education Topeka. As a lawyer arguing in front of the Supreme Court, a body on which Marshall would later serve himself, Marshall argued that the notion of "separate but equal" was inherently unequal, exposing a fragile fault-line that eventually brought down segregated schooling.
Michael J. Fox's reflective words, "My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectations," clearly illustrated the Acceptance Principle. A decade into battling Parkinson's and serving as a beacon in shining a light on that debilitating disease, Fox appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm, handing Larry David an exploding can of soda that had been shaken by his tremors, and sharing a hearty laugh with us all.
Many other luminaries including Henry Matisse, Muhammad Ali, Maya Angelou, Helen Keller, Frank Lloyd Wright and Bruce Lee also found their way into the text, as well as pieces and sidebars on the etymology of martial arts, the dualism of Yin and Yang, and the evolution of the colored belt system from white to black.
As a total differentiator, Rener and his brother created a short video for each chapter (accessed with a QR code via a cellphone camera) demonstrating how these synergistic principles are actually used in self-defense scenarios.
Several days after Rener Gracie and I completed the jiu-jitsu manuscript, I learned that I'd be writing the biography (excuse me, fun-ography) of SpongeBob SquarePants, and sitting down for an extended interview with the voice of that happy, yellow, porous protagonist, Tom Kenny. As I watched a myriad of SpongeBob episodes to ready myself for the new journey, the writer in me, waiting to suddenly shape-shift again, began chanting the iconic character's catchphrase, I'm ready! I'm ready! --Paul
"I learned these 32 principles over decades of jiu-jitsu practice . . . Rener Gracie codifies them in a simple, clear, digestible way, making them accessible to any person in any situation, regardless of whether they are a black belt in jiu-jitsu or have never learned a martial art." –Jocko Willink, retired US Navy SEAL, #1 New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and entrepreneur
"A must-read for anyone seeking to succeed in life... I love the analogies and practical advice this book has on how the principles of jiu-jitsu can be applied beyond the mat to achieve success in all aspects of life." –Cynthia Rothrock, five-time undefeated world champion martial artist, action star, and inductee in the Black Belt Hall of Fame
"Rener Gracie and Paul Volponi make a great team in explaining the benefits of martial arts to non-martial artists." –Christine Bannon-Rodrigues, nine-time world champion martial artist and Hollywood stuntwoman
"Paul Volponi and Rener Gracie do an outstanding job of making The 32 Principles a guide to daily living for everyone." –Wendy Behar, licensed master social worker and author of #YourRules. Your Life.
"By presenting the 32 principles in such a clear and easy-to-learn format, Rener Gracie extends the profound benefits of his family's fighting system far beyond the world of martial arts and into the realm of how to live a meaningful life." –Ed O'Neill, actor
"I wish I had this book when I was playing professional baseball. It is filled with tons of wisdom, told in a simplistic way with engaging stories. It's a book that after you read it, you will go back to it again." –Ila Borders, pro-baseball pitcher and coauthor of Making My Pitch
"To watch a top-notch novelist like Paul Volponi weave a narrative through a nonfiction book such as The 32 Principles is a thing of pure beauty." –Lenny Shulman, Emmy Award–winning writer and author of Justify
"It's amazing how the principles of martial arts connect so directly to life, and Paul Volponi's writing here is simply superb." –William Moy, Kung Fu grandmaster
Paul Volponi is the multi-award winning author/journalist of 20 books. His works include Black and White (International Reading Association's Children's Book Award), The Final Four (NYC Chancellor's Reading List, NYC Reads 360), Top Prospect (part of Scholastic's nationwide book club) and Rikers High. Paul is the recipient of a dozen American Library Association honors.
Purchase this book at:
Benbella Books
Or your local independent bookstore
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Superhero Smart: Real-World facts behind Comic Book Characters
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Here's a fast-paced walk through world history and culture for all of your readers who are mesmerized by the superhero genre
A fascinating exploration of the science, history, literature, and culture behind comic book superheroes' powers and origins. How does Superman's strength allow him to squeeze a chunk of coal into a diamond? What's the connection between Wonder Woman's golden Lasso of Truth and a lie detector? Why does the Black Panther speak so many different languages? What does Natasha Romanova (aka Black Widow) teach us about the Cold War? All this and more is explored in Superhero Smart: Real-World Facts behind Comic Book Characters, written by award-winning author Paul Volponi. In a fast-paced, free-flowing narrative, Volponi reveals that there is so much more to spandex-clad superheroes than meets the eye. To truly understand their origins and powers, one must also understand science, history, literature, and the incredible diversity of people and cultures around us.
The exploits and powers of almost every comic book superhero or villain have a basis in reality, opening the door to learning about so many things from the past and present. And in learning more about these heroes and our world, we can help prepare for and create a better future, just as superheroes strive to do every day in the pages of our comic books.
"Superhero Smart is a perfect combination of history, pop culture, science, and mythology–a fun and educational read." –Allen Stewart, director, The Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum
"Paul Volponi takes the reader on an excursion into the world of superheroes. It's necessary reading for anyone who has marveled at their exploits and reveled in a thrilling, greater reality." –Lenny Shulman, author, journalist and Superman aficionado
"The evolution of this creative genre in historical context... Bravo!" –R. Robert Pollack, comic art historian
"An homage to the superhero genre. Teens will come away with history lessons without even realizing it. Excellent read!" –Mary Rose Bernas, high school media specialist
Purchase this book at:
Rowman & Littlefield
Or your local independent bookstore
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Phyllis George: Shattering the Ceiling
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Here's a biography that details the struggles of women in the workplace over the past half-century
I'm simply amazed at how many librarians are giving this biography on Phyllis George to their high-achieving teen female readers. Phyllis became Miss America in 1970, at a time when the Women's Lib movement was gaining serious momentum in the US. That made her the target of scorn by the movement, which considered the trappings of her newly-won title to be a hindrance to all women striving for societal equality (equal rights/equal pay). Just several years later, however, Phyllis became that movement's unexpected heroine when as a sports broadcaster she broke the glass-ceiling in that male-dominated occupation in becoming the first woman to regularly appear on a network sportscast– The NFL Today. Phyllis opened the floodgates for women in sports. Today, viewers would be hard pressed to watch a sporting event without a woman broadcaster giving insightful opinions. It had to start with someone, and it all began with Phyllis George.
I was incredibly pleased and proud to co-author this book with famed Kentucky-based reporter and Emmy Award-winning writer Lenny Shulman. --Paul
"My daughters have never known a world in which female sportscasters weren't just a normal part of sports. It's amazing to me that women like Phyllis, only a generation older than me, changed the world for them through sheer determination and courage. I would love to share her story with them. As a Kentuckian, I often heard her name growing up, but I never really knew much about her. This book was fascinating." –Jennifer Prall, librarian at Tates Creek High School in Lexington, KY
"In Phyllis George: Shattering the Ceiling, Volponi and Shulman present the captivating life of Phyllis George with first-hand accounts and descriptions that deftly capture her determination not only to become Miss America but to make a name for herself in sports broadcasting in the early 1970s, no small endeavor as the women's liberation movement had only just begun. The authors also describe her personal struggles, skillfully portraying her steadfast resilience and grace under pressure. Young adult readers will be inspired by this well-researched and highly engaging biography." –Suzanne Severns, librarian at Martin High School in Arlington, Texas
"Meet the 'real' Phyllis George, the woman behind the dimpled beauty that captivated her Miss America domain. She could be tough as an NFL linebacker who added new meaning to 'superwoman' and crafted a television career while nurturing a family and becoming an entrepreneur. This book should become mandatory reading for young women who think they face a glass ceiling. It's already been shattered by Phyllis George. Give her a nod as you walk through." –Bill Kurtis, PBS
Purchase this book at:
University Press of Kentucky
Or your local independent bookstore
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The Great G.O.A.T. Debate: The Best of the Best in Everything from Sports to Science
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High school and middle school students will pick this book up to see their favorite categories such as sports, music and video games. But they'll also be exposed to architects, mathematicians, philosophers, dancers, public speakers and more!
Who is the Greatest Of All Time–the G.O.A.T.? This is the question debated constantly between fans for any number of categories. Who is the greatest basketball player of all time? The greatest band? Video game? Sci-fi movie?
In The Great G.O.A.T. Debate: The Best of the Best in Everything from Sports to Science, award-winning young adult author Paul Volponi explores the "greatest of all time" in over twenty-five different categories. Volponi asks the G.O.A.T. question of writers, superheroes, musicians, philosophers, architects, athletes, and more. Alongside icons such as martial artist Bruce Lee, basketball star Maya Moore, and rapper Jay-Z, readers will also discover the diverse talents of inventor Leonardo da Vinci, the artistry of jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald, and the genius of scientist Marie Curie.
Full of facts, trivia, and mini-arguments, The Great G.O.A.T. Debate is sure to expand readers' horizons and help answer the ultimate question: "Who is the Greatest Of All Time?"
"Greatest of all time" arguments are commonplace among students and a burgeoning subgenre of G.O.A.T. books, particularly sports biographies, bears this out. What sets this title apart is not only the breadth of subjects considered but the debater's manual included inside. In 27 brief chapters, Volponi doesn't provide answers so much as he prods readers to consider what exactly is being discussed, what quality or achievement sets a person apart in a given field. In addition, each chapter includes a "Time to Debate" section encouraging readers, for example, to explain their reasoning, anticipate counter-arguments, remain calm and polite, and even to consider style elements like anaphora, the repetition of a word or phrase, such as in Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech. A few of the figures profiled are less well known (professional wrestler Mildred Burke) and some of the subjects are uncommonly debated (Hollywood stunt people). But there are chapters and arguments for many of the more popular sports and entertainment rivalries, though none for soccer. Photos of many of the subjects, as well as other illustrations, such as stamps depicting Jim Thorpe and Babe Didrikson Zaharias, are present throughout. Included are several pages of source notes and citations. Each chapter is rich with suggestions for further study. Recommended for elementary and middle school libraries. Readers will come for the debates and stay for the critical-thinking skills." –School Library Journal
"Paul Volponi's conversational style of writing has always resonated with my readers and now The Great GOAT Debate: The Best of the Best in Everything from Sports to Science invites students to use their voices and join that conversation. The short debates are very accessible to students and are accompanied with thoughtfully paired advice on how to improve argument skills. Interesting trivia is also sprinkled throughout. Altogether, this book has the ability to empower students and educators alike to discuss their interests and explore new topics." –Taylor Spear, English teacher, Rush-Henrietta School District, NY
"The first thing I noticed about this book was the interesting array of diverse topics and GOAT candidates that are spotlighted. I feel students of all backgrounds will be able to find a category and/or candidate that interests them and will inspire them to research other GOATs. It is a great book for reluctant readers because they can "skip around" to read the topics that interest them. I especially enjoyed the engaging "Lightning Debates" that are sprinkled throughout the book as well as the "Fun Fact" boxes that extend the knowledge of a particular topic or GOAT. Teachers and students alike will enjoy the art of debate that are offered in Volponi's latest book." –Kerin L. Slattery, Director of English Language Arts, Levittown Public Schools, NY
"From sports, to music, television to video games, scientists to philosophers, Volponi explores a wide range of topics and people in his latest book, The Great GOAT Debate. Kids will recognize some of the names instantly, while a few may be new to them. The point here is not really who's better, it's exposing them to a wide variety of amazing people, while learning how to effectively support an argument. This invaluable skill is used every day, in every aspect of our lives. Volponi gives the reader brief debate tips after each entry, and "lightning debates" stage an imaginary scenario where the reader must select the better candidate in a given situation. Without knowing it, the reader is learning how to analyze, prioritize, compare and contrast, separate fact from fiction, and support their point of view while still being passionate. In short, it's a fun read that kids will not only enjoy, but benefit from." –Catherine Ward, Media Specialist, Damascus High School, MD
"Short passages on diverse topics make this a great read for both reluctant and avid readers. It carries the same kind of appeal as reading the Guinness Book of World Records." –Mona Romine, librarian, Woodford County High School, KY
Purchase this book at:
Rowman & Littlefield
Or your local independent bookstore
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Streetball is Life: Lessons Earned on the Asphalt
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From multi-award-winning young adult author Paul Volponi comes the true story of his unforgettable summer spent proving himself as a legitimate New York City streetballer, only later discovering that he had gained a set of skills that would enhance his life off the court as well.
During the sweltering summer of seventeen-year-old Paul Volponi's life, he had only one goal—he wanted, no, needed to become a legitimate and respected New York City street basketball player. It was a passion that consumed him night and day, and at times even isolated him from his friends and family. So he entered through the gates of the Proving Ground, the roughest streetball yard in the city. It was a place where the fouls resembled felonies, and the atmosphere mirrored that of the Roman Coliseum more than Madison Square Garden. It was where teens and adults contested pickup games with a ferocity seemingly greater than that of the NBA Finals. The Proving Ground was a difficult place to cultivate friendships and an easy environment to make enemies.
This is the story of Paul's summer-long initiation at the Proving Ground. It is truly a streetball testament of a teenager who wanted more than anything else to earn his stripes in streetball society. Only what he didn't understand at the time was that this experience would deliver to him, as it does today for so many young adults, a set of skills that would enhance his life far beyond the boundaries of a basketball court.
"Paul Volponi's latest, Streetball is Life, is a fitting heir to his signature work Black and White. The rhythm of the city streets envelops the reader with the grittiness of a hard-fought game of hoops that is careening toward an unknown finish. Volponi's coming-of-age story will attract those just beginning to make their mark on the world as well as those further along in practicing what they learned through early competition. Streetball is Life is a slam dunk." –Lenny Shulman, Emmy Award-winning sportswriter and author of Justify: 111 Days to Triple Crown Glory
"Volponi's microcosm of American culture is a page turner that entertains and informs." –Ed McNamara, Newsday
"Streetball is Life is written the way Volponi's ballers hit that cracked cement: hard and true." –Paul Griffin, author of The Orange Houses, Stay with Me and Burning Blue
Purchase this book at:
Rowman & Littlefield
Or your local independent bookstore
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That's My Team: The History Science and Fun behind Sports Teams' Names
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After writing 12 YA novels (earning 12 ALA honors), this is my first non-fiction book and it will keep sports-crazed teens reading from start-to-finish. The book, which took me 15 years to write, is the subject of an extensive article in the August, 2019 issue of VOYA Magazine (you can find a link to that article on the right).
How did author Edgar Allen Poe influence the naming of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens? What major historical events inspired the naming of the Philadelphia 76ers, San Francisco 49ers, and Oklahoma Sooners? And what caused the NBA's Washington Bullets to change their name to the Wizards? Paul Volponi shares the answers to these questions and more throughout the pages of That's My Team. Leading readers on a fast-paced journey through different parts of the United States and the world, Volponi reveals fascinating pieces of information on pop culture, history, science, literature, and a slew of other subjects through the lens of sports. While examining how teams from a variety of sports received their names, he also includes segments on Native Americans, minorities overcoming prejudice, and the growth of women's sports. The interactive book, aimed at readers from grades 6-12, also presents teens with the opportunity to create a meaningful and geographically appropriate name for their own sports franchise.
"Paul Volponi's That's My Team is masterful. This is one of those brilliant ideas I wish I'd thought of. I'm glad I didn't because I couldn't have pulled it off the way Volponi does. It's a perfect teaching tool. What a way to get sports and activity-minded kids reading! There are nuggets in this work that will keep readers digging." –Chris Crutcher, author of Whale Talk, Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes, and Deadline
"Sometimes we read to be informed. Sometimes we read to be entertained. Paul Volponi has done both with That's My Team! This is a can't-put-it-down book for sports fans and you'll be sorry there isn't more when you're done." –Bob Ryan of ESPN and the Boston Globe
"WOW! Great Stuff! Fun and Imaginative…Exciting and Interesting." –Ann Meyers-Drysdale, Basketball Hall of Famer
"Part reference guide, part history, That's My Team is 100% fascinating. What a terrific book for sports loving teens—and sports enthusiasts in general. That's My Team is indispensable reading for curious, thoughtful sports fans." –Paul Griffin, author of Stay with Me, Burning Blue and The Orange Houses
Purchase this book at:
Rowman & Littlefield
Or your local independent bookstore
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Top Prospect
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TRAVIS GARDNER LIVES TO PLAY QUARTERBACK. He's a standout QB by the time he reaches middle school, and he's prepared to put everything into the game: blood, sweat, and tears. When Travis' older brother joins the elite football program at Gainesville University, Gainesville's head coach makes Travis a once-in-a-lifetime offer. Travis will have a place on the football team too, and a full athletic scholarship. He just has to get through high school first.
As Travis starts the ninth grade, he'll have to earn his new teammates' trust and dodge opponents aiming to sack the star quarterback with an early-scholarship in his pocket. But his biggest challenge might be staying focused in the face of sudden fame. Because now the pressure is on, and Travis has to prove himself with every pass.
"Absorbing" –Kirkus Reviews.
*** A Junior Library Guild Selection
Go to Author's Notes (right) to read the VOYA Magazine article on how this novel was inspired by several real-life instances of pre-teen athletes receiving future college scholarships.
Purchase this book at:
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Or your local independent bookstore
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Game Seven
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My name is Julio Ramirez Jr. and baseball is my whole life.
Since he was ten, Julio has lived in the shadow of his famous father. Not just because Julio Senior is a pitcher for the Miami Marlins, but because he fled Cuba to play professional baseball, leaving his Julio and his mother and sister branded as the family of a traitor. Now sixteen, Julio dreams of playing for Cuba's national team–until he finds out his father's defection may destroy his chances. When he's given the opportunity to flee Cuba, he has to make the toughest choice of his life.
Can he abandon his family, just like his Papi did? Will freedom be worth the perilous journey and risking prison if he's caught? Will his Papi be waiting for him on the other shore–or, with the Marlins in the World Series against the Yankees, has Julio Senior forgotten about his son? Set against the backdrop of the Series on which everything depends, Game Seven is a suspenseful story of loyalty, survival, and baseball.
Go to Author's Notes (right) to read the VOYA Magazine article on how this novel was inspired by several real-life ocean voyage of Cuban refugees who transformed a '59 Buick into a boat.
"Volponi once again delivers top-notch sports fare coupled with a deeper story of family and fidelity." –Booklist
"An entertaining tale of baseball, family and loyalty." –Kirkus
Purchase this book at:
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Or your local independent bookstore
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The Final Four
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Four players with one thing in common: The will to win.
Malcolm wants to get to the NBA ASAP. Roko wants to be the pride of his native Croatia. Crispin wants the girl of his dreams. And M.J. (Michael Jordan) just wants a chance.
March Madness is in full swing, and there are only four teams left in the NCAA basketball championship. The heavily favored Michigan Spartans and the underdog Troy Trojans meet in the first game in the semifinals, and it's there that the fates of Malcolm, Roko, Crispin, and M.J. intertwine. As the last moments tick down on the game clock, you'll learn how each player went from being a kid who loved to shoot hoops to a powerful force in one of the most important games of the year. Which team will leave the Superdome victorious? In the end it will come down to which players have the most skill, the most drive, and the most heart.
"Volponi nails it when it counts in this dynamic story." –*Starred Review Booklist
"This gritty, realistic, and riveting novel deserves the wide audience it will no doubt attract." –*Starred Review School Library Journal
"A thought-provoking discussion of the pros and cons of student athletes vs. professional college players." –*Starred Review BCCB
"The Final Four serves as a reminder that the college game is played by young people, each with their own unique story. The Final Four does a terrific job of capturing the emotion of March Madness." –Coach Mike Krzyzewski (Coach K.), Duke
"This is a great story about how one sport can transcend different experiences, backgrounds, and beliefs." –Coach Jim Calhoun, Connecticut
"Inspirational." –Coach Jamie Dixon, Pittsburgh
Purchase this book at:
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Or your local independent bookstore
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Rikers High |
Martin Stokes could hold his own in the tough New York City neighborhood where he grew up, but that’s nothing—nothing—compared to Rikers Island. Martin’s been in the Rikers Island jail for five months and counting, locked up for a crime he didn’t even mean to commit. After his court date is delayed yet again, Martin gets caught in a razor attack between two warring inmates. Now his face will forever be marked with a jailhouse scar. But one good thing comes from this attack: Martin is transferred to a different part of Rikers where adolescent inmates are required to attend high school. There he meets a teacher who genuinely wants to help Martinturn his life around. Will he see the light, or be consumed with getting revenge on his attackers?
From a master of urban fiction comes a raw, contemporary, and wholly authentic story of high school behind bars.
This tale of education and life on the Island will keep readers locked to the page. - Kirkus
Volponi, himself a teacher on Rikers Island for six years, brings to life a believable range of teachers, COs, and inmates and portrays power, hierarchies, and race relations both outside and inside the jail walls with unflinching realism. –School Library Journal
Rare is the reader who won’t find his narrative sobering. – Booklist
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Black and White |
Marcus and Eddie are the stars of Long Island City High School’s basketball team. Marcus is black and Eddie is white, but they got past all that “racial crap” and have been best friends for years. Both boys are looking forward to great futures in college basketball and are waiting to see where they’ll land their scholarships. Then one cold night, something goes wrong and they make a big mistake. Now they can’t turn back and one of them will have to pay. Told in their two voices, BLACK AND WHITE is the gripping story of two good boys who make a bad mistake. It’s also a heartbreaking look at the realities of the urban criminal justice system.
BLACK AND WHITE is the winner of the International Reading Association’s 2006 Young Adult Novel of the Year, an American Library Association Best Book Young Adult and Quick Pick (inspiring non-readers to read) Top Ten selection, and a New York City Public Library Book for the Teen Age selection. It is also a selection of the Texas Library Association for the TAYSHAS 2006-2007 high school reading list. The work received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books.
“Teens will want to discuss the story’s layered moral ambiguities, heartbreaking choices, and ‘the line that separates black and white’.”-Booklist
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Marcus And Eddie: Black and White Part II |
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For two decades now, readers have asked me-- Why did your novel Black and White end that way? What happens to Marcus and Eddie in the future? Well, the answer is finally here. I'm pleased to announce the release of Marcus and Eddie. I hope this will satisfy their fans. It certainly checks all the boxes for me as a story. And for all the teens who have ever told me that Black and White was the first book they ever read cover-to-cover, I hope you'll add this one to your growing list of well-read books. --Paul
It's been nearly two years since Marcus Brown went to prison alone for a crime that he and his former best friend, Eddie Russo, committed together. Now Marcus is back home, hoping to rebuild his life, focusing on his family and praying for a basketball scholarship to any school that might take a chance on an ex-con. Meanwhile, Eddie Russo has been living the life of a celebrated college athlete, enjoying all the perks that come with stardom. Will this once inseparable pair ever find common ground again, standing shoulder-to-shoulder while having each other's backs? Find out in Marcus and Eddie, the long-awaited conclusion to the award-winning young adult novel Black and White.
Paul Volponi's Black and White is the winner of the International Reading Association's 2006 Young Adult Novel of the Year, an American Library Association Best Book Young Adult and Quick Pick (inspiring non-readers to read) Top Ten selection, and a New York City Public Library Book for the Teen Age selection. It is also a selection of the Texas Library Association's TAYSHAS high school reading list. The novel, now a staple in many high school and middle school English classes around the country, received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books.
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Hurricane Song |
Miles has only been living with his musician father in New Orleans for two months when Hurricane Katrina hits—and they haven’t really been getting along. His dad lives for jazz, while Miles’ first love is football. But father and son must set aside their differences when they seek refuge in the crowded Superdome. What begins as a safe haven from the storm soon turns into a nightmare as the power fails and gangs of thugs compete for turf. When his father decides to rebel, Miles must make a choice that will alter their relationship—and both of their lives—forever.
From award winning author Paul Volponi comes this tale of how low humanity can sink in desperate times and how loudly hope can sing against the howl of tragedy.
"A brilliant blend of reality and fiction, this novel hits every chord just right. If it is not the best teen book of 2008, it is certainly one of the most important." —highlighted review by VOYA
“A riveting and readable exploration of the effects of race in today’s world”.—Kirkus Reviews
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Rooftop |
Addison was like the big brother Clay never had. Separated for years by a family argument, the two cousins are finally back together at Daytop, a drug treatment program. Clay’s parents caught him smoking pot; Addison was arrested for dealing crack. Now they’re at the same place at the same time, trying to work out their problems together. But Addison never gets a chance. One night he and Clay are on the rooftop of one of the buildings in the projects where Addison lives, and Addison is fatally shot--by the police--as Clay stands just a few steps away. Addison wasn’t armed. He didn’t deserve to die. But was he completely innocent? And what will prove more difficult for Clay-living a lie or facing the truth? The text is an unflinching look at justice, honesty, and what it means to be a man.
ROOFTOP won an American Library Association's Best Book Young Adult and Quick Pick Award (inspiring non-readers to read). It is a selection of the Texas Library Association for the TAYSHAS high school reading list, and a New York City Library's Book for the Teen Age. Rooftop received a start review from Booklist, and is a 2006 selection of the Junior Library Guild.
"This thoughtfully crafted, deceptively simple story knits together a high-interest plot, a readable narrative crackling with street slang, and complex personal and societal issues that will engage teen readers." –Booklist
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Rucker Park Setup |
Best friends Mackey and J.R. have waited their whole lives to win the basketball tournament at Rucker Park, where some of the sports greatest pro ballers squared off against street legends. Then the day of an important game, J.R. is fatally stabbed. Mackey didn’t wield the knife, yet he feels responsible. Now he has a score to settle, but the killer is watching his every move.
Mackey is caught between two opposing forces, but he’s determined to finish the final game of the Rucker Park Tournament on his own terms.
This gripping story of friendship and basketball from award-winning, critically acclaimed author Paul Volponi explores the true meaning of loyalty and greed, while powerfully exposing the painful truth that some wrongs can not be made right.
"The most demanding hoops fanatic will love the descriptions of the action, and those looking for suspense will hang in for the whodunit aspect. A slam dunk!"–Kirkus Reviews
Rucker Park Setup is an American Library Association Quick Pick winner, a Junior Library Guild and TAYSHAS reading list selection.
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Crossing Lines |
Adonis is a jock. He's on the football team and he’s dating one of the prettiest girls in school. Alan is the new kid. He wears lipstick and joins the Fashion Club. Soon enough the football team is out to get him. Adonis is glad to go along with his teammates... until they come up with a dangerous plan to humiliate Alan. Now Adonis must decide whether he wants to be a guy who follows the herd or a man who does what's right. From award-winning author Paul Volponi comes this discussable and finely wrought story of bullies, victims, and the bystanders caught in between.
Volponi’s latest novel is a moving story of bullying and courage…This quick-reading, tightly constructed novel will provoke substantive questions, making it a great choice for group discussion. - Booklist
This is an effective book on a very timely topic. –VOYA
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Response |
Noah and his friends go to a nearly all-white neighborhood with a plan: steal a car, sell it to a chop shop, and make some fast cash. But that never happens. Instead, Noah, a teen father, is the victim of vicious beating that leaves him with a fractured skull. Was the attacker protecting his turf, or did he target Noah just because he’s black?
Award-winning author Paul Volponi, known for his brutally honest portrayals of the moral complexities of urban life, uses alternating perspective and a range of narrative styles to give readers a fascinating and chilling insight into the timeline of a hate crime, from the first shocking blow to the jury’s final decision.
Writing in an authentic voice, Volponi balances sensitivity and rage, but his most subtle achievement is the multi-generational family drama. When Noah suddenly feels the promise of his future at the exact moment he stands at his go-nowhere fry cook job, it gives us hope that he will pass on his hard lessons to his own child. –Booklist Review.
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The Hand You're Dealt
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When Huck Porter's dad suddenly dies, it feels like nothing will ever make sense again. Huck's "best friend" thinks that Huck should just get over it, the girl he likes won't give him the time of day, and his mom now works all hours at a roadside diner to make ends meet. The only thing that still makes sense for Huck is the game his dad taught him, the game they spent hours playing together: Texas Hold'em. Worse than all of that, though, is Huck's math teacher, Mr. Abbott -- a hungry card shark with an ego to match his appetite. He now wears the local poker tournament's first prize, a silver watch that Huck's dad wore proudly for three years. So Huck hatches a plan to knock Abbott off his throne and win back the watch. Only, bluffing his way into the tournament will mean lying to everyone Huck knows. But as Huck gets deeper in the tournament and starts to lose himself in the cards, he begins to wonder who he'll be when the last hand is played. Raw and gritty, Paul Volponi's novel about grief, family, and poker is an adrenaline rush that starts with a bang and doesn't let up until the final page is turned. A coming-of-age story set at a card table, The Hand You're Dealt will leave readers wondering what they would risk in a game.
A high-stakes thriller, particularly for those elusive young adult male nonreaders- School Library Journal
Fast-paced, with a riveting opening… the book has an odd quality of the fairy tale, with an unrelentingly evil villain, a fairy-godfather figure in the priest, a beautiful princess for the prom and never any doubt about the abilities of the hero-Kirkus Reviews
The writing is terse in this absorbing book that is a fine choice for boys, girls, and reluctant readers-VOYA
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Homestretch |
Gas never figured himself for a runaway. But when his mother dies in a car accident, hit head-on by a sheriff’s deputy chasing an illegal Mexican who jumped the border, Gas’ dad becomes abusive. Call it grief, call it alcoholism, whatever it is, Gas knows his dad will not be able to keep his promise to never hit him again. Without a plan, Gas hitches a ride out of state, and ends up working at a racetrack stable with a family of Mexicans—the kind of people his dad always taught him to hate, the kind of people who got his mother killed. What will Gas learn about himself and the true meaning of family? And what will Gas do when his small stature causes an unscrupulous horse trainer to promise him glory and riches as a jockey, even if he can’t ride well?
“HOMESTRETCH is a quick and exciting coming of age story full of mud, blood, speed, sleaze, and danger.”—Richie Partington/Richie’s Picks.
“Volponi continues his streak of well-written novels in this simply written, coming-of-age story about a boy who learns that he cannot generalize about an entire ethnic group.” –VOYA.
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