Paul Volponi is a writer, journalist and educator living in New York City. from 1992-1998 he taught teens awaiting trial on Rikers Island to read and write, helping to form the basis of his debut YA novel Black and White (Viking 2005). Black and White was named and American Library Association Best Book Young Adult and a Quick Pick (Top Ten), inspiring non-readers to read. The book was also named YA Novel of the year by The International Reading Association, as well as a NYC Library Book for the Teen Age. His second YA work, Rooftop (Viking 2006), about an unamred teen shot on a housing project rooftop by a trio of police officers, was also a BBYA and Quick Pick selection. In May of 2007, Viking will publish Rucker Park Setup, a book about friendship, desire and greed centering on the famed Rucker Park Basketball Tournament held in Harlem each August.

Mr. Volponi holds an MA in English Literature from the City College of New York and a BA in English from Baruch. He is also a New York correspondent for the national magazine, The Blood-Horse, covering Thoroughbred racing and breeding.

www.paulvolponibooks.com