Syosset Public Library TeenSpace Blog

I heard Paul Volponi speak the other day. He’s an interesting speaker and a great sports writer. He was a teacher in Riker’s Island Correctional Facility. His books typically involve inner city teens and are issue driven. For instance in Black and White, two teens, a white and a Black, rob and shoot someone and are now up against the criminal justice system. In Rucker Park Setup a teenager is killed and only his friend knows who did it. But there’s more…
As someone in the audience said, his descriptions of sports is real. You can imagine what it is like to play; the intensity, the concentration, the movement. Regardless of whether or not you are a sports fan (I’m not necessarily a big fan), you’ll enjoy Volponi’s books.

Black and White
Marcus and Eddie are best friends who found the strength to break through the racial barrier. Marcus is black; Eddie is white. Stars of their school basketball team, they are true leaders who look past the stereotypes and come out on top. They are inseparable, watching each other’s backs, both on and off the basketball court. But one night–and one wrong decision–will change their lives forever. Will their mistake cost them their friendship . . . and their future?
Rooftop
Cousins Clay and Addison were like brothers, growing up together in the projects, until they were ripped apart by a family argument. When they are reunited in a drug-treatment program, they try to work out their issues like a family. But one night, one wrong decision, leaves Clay shaken and Addison dead. And in the rash of events that follow, the truth of what actually happened on the rooftop of the apartment building is caught up in a clash of politics and racial issues. Will Clay be able to rise above the lies and face the truth?
Rucker Park Setup
Best friends Mackey and J.R. have waited their whole lives to win the basketball tournament at Rucker Park, where their favorite pro ballers squared off against street legends. But the day of their big game, J.R. is fatally stabbed—and it’s Mackey’s fault, even though he didn’t wield the knife. Now Mackey has a score to settle, but the killer is watching his every move.
Ed Goldberg
Teen Services Librarian