Customer Reviews

Rikers High

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This novel is different than his other ones because it takes place in prison instead of on the streets. Martin Stokes was arrested when he told an undercover cop where to buy drugs. He then found himself shipped off to Rikers to await trial..a trial that is taking far too long.

What happens next is Martin's experiences in prison. There are so many subjects that are touched upon including loneliness, race relations, how the young inmates feel and their pecking order. What's great about this book is Mr. Volponi taught at Rikers. He saw what happened to these young teens as they struggle to make it out or get caught up in the system. The story is gritty, but the language is tamer in this novel than in previous books. Once again everything is touched upon including the sensitive subject of suicide. Mr. Volponi's characters feel real, which I think is one of the reasons male students like to read his novels.

I enjoyed this book and I think students looking for urban, realistic fiction will enjoy Rikers High.

Author Paul Volponi's real-life experience working with kids behind bars is the inspiration for RIKERS HIGH. His work teaching adolescent inmates to read and write help give this novel a realistic tone that will speak to teen as well as adult readers.

Martin is weeks away from being released from Rikers Island. He earned his time there for giving an undercover cop information about where to buy drugs. Even though he viewed it as an honest mistake, he was in handcuffs outside his front door before his mother had time to get out the door to ask questions.

As Martin tells his story, readers learn about life in the Rikers Island prison system. After spending some of his time in the adult population, Martin is moved to Sprung #3, which houses juvenile offenders. These young inmates attend school and hopefully spend their time in more productive activities than the older prisoners, but life is still rough and they face daily challenges - from uncooperative fellow prisoners and corrupt corrections officers.

Martin describes the violence, the "business" some inmates conduct to profit from their fellow prisoners, the mistreatment at the hands of those in charge, and the homesickness and worry about family members on the outside. All of this combines to create a tense, stressful environment where young men are still expected to learn in the classroom and maintain control of raging emotions.

Martin tries to keep his nose clean and focus on his release date, but he knows one wrong move or bad decision could end with a longer sentence and possibly a move back to the adult population. Trouble with his lawyer and a vicious attack that leaves him with a disfiguring facial scar make staying focused a real challenge. Martin's determination to return to his family and make the needed changes in his life makes his a truly inspiring story.

Paul Volponi has a real following among teen readers, and when they learn that RIKERS HIGH has a real-life connection to the author's own experience, it is sure to be a popular read.

Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"

I now have read every book by "The King of Urban Fiction," Paul Volponi. RIKERS HIGH- first published in 2002 as RIKERS - was the first book published by Volponi - and the last one for me to read. Heart-stopping, powerful, exceptional, and REAL! These are just words that have no meaning unless you read this book.

A general comment:
I hope EVERYONE reads Volponi's books, including this one. He opens windows to society that few have the guts to see. Most shut their eyes tight and never give this part of our society even a nod. Volponi puts it out there and I'm certain that he's only given the reader a tiny bit of what he has seen and experienced through the years with what many of OUR urban youth face every single day. I don't know Volponi, but he doesn't seem like the kind of guy who walks around seeing himself as a hero - or even the type of guy who lives to be thanked... Even his picture shows him looking off to the side.

So, here's what think. Volponi's work as an author and teacher changes lives. He gives readers a gift and it's up to us to decide what to do with it. Do we walk away, maybe tell others what powerful books he's written, or do we do something in this world, big or small, to make it a little better for someone else? - Ultimately that's what Volponi's saying. Life can be really crappy (big time understatement) out there... What's truly valuable? I won't forget these books and I promise you that I will do something to honor Volponi to make this world a better place... When I do and soon (today or tomorrow) I will whisper - "Volponi this is in honor of you too - keep up the incredible work!"

I like how Paul Volponi's books always keep me on the edge of my seat. The language is a little rough sometimes, but it's realistic. Recommended.

Rikers High follows the life of a 17 year old teenager in a correction center for few weeks as he struggles with complications with family,his attorney and the bullying of inmates.Compelling reading . Michael Tsapazis author of "Zion and the Magic Sword"

Loved the book and although it is fiction, it reads like a true story. Another winner for Volponi!