Paul Volponi

“[Streetball Is Life] is filled with cinematic details and colorful characters, which bring the streetball subculture to life.”—School Library Journal From award-winning YA author Paul Volponi comes the true story of his unforgettable summer spent proving himself as a New York City streetballer, only to discover that he had gained skills that would enrich 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. So he entered through the gates of the Proving Ground, the roughest streetball yard in the city. It was where teens and adults contested pickup games with a ferocity seemingly greater than that of the NBA Finals. Streetball Is Life is the story of Paul’s summer-long initiation at the Proving Ground. It is a 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 a set of skills that would enhance his life far beyond the boundaries of a basketball court.

The riveting autobiography of iconic American sportscaster Tom Durkin Sports have become indelibly linked to the voices that describe the action, from Al Michaels at the Olympics to baseball’s Vin Scully and basketball’s Marv Albert. In horseracing, perhaps no single voice did as much to reshape, modernize, and improve the soundtrack of the sport as Tom Durkin. In A Life’s Calling: The Voice Behind the World’s Greatest Horse Races, Tom Durkin, alongside longtime turf writers Paul Volponi and Lenny Shulman, shares his fascinating story. Readers will revel in his tales of life in the backwater stops of the Midwest learning horse racing among rickety grandstands and local hustlers, and of the day when he called the first Breeders’ Cup and ended up at an after-party surrounded by Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and Cary Grant. Durkin also candidly recounts how the pressure to describe each race with flawless accuracy became too much, leading him to step away from the spotlight while still at his prime. Durkin’s life is as colorful as his description of a come-from-behinder weaving his way through horses toward a photo finish. A Life’s Calling is a must-read for anyone wanting to learn more about the voice behind many of horse racing’s greatest calls.

A unique exploration of opening lines from classic literature to modern music. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. In that spirit, Famous First Impressions: The Power of Perfect Opening Lines revels in the greatest openings from novels, plays, poems, songs, films, speeches, and more. Bestselling author Paul Volponi examines how talented writers and artists instantly gain our attention, often in just a few words, and dissects each line’s style, value, and impact. Exploring themes such as crime and punishment, dystopian landscapes, identity, science fiction, and the natural world, Volponi reveals the interconnectedness of opening lines ranging from Emily Dickinson’s I’m Nobody! Who are You? to Taylor Swift’s Blank Space. Famous First Impressions features individuals as diverse as Toni Morrison, Adele, Edgar Allan Poe, Don McLean, Maya Angelou, William Shakespeare, Dr. Seuss, Anne Frank, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., introducing readers to new genres and writers while also providing fascinating insight into those they already love. And with science fiction and drama discussed in the same breath as classic rock and poetry, this book is sure to inspire less-than-enthusiastic readers and booklovers alike.

Live Life Like a Kung Fu Master is William Moy’s personal invitation to become your teacher or “sifu,” as he presents over twenty attributes/techniques that will contribute to living a life made better by possessing Kung Fu. Attributes such as balance, structure, distance awareness, relaxation and traveling the shortest route between two points are presented both in terms of self-defense and in making an impact on your daily life—at home, school, work, business and social encounters. The text also features positional sketches drawn by William, as well as links to a number of videos in which William demonstrates physical techniques for students to model. William is joined on this literary Kung Fu journey by this long-time student and disciple, multi-award-winning author Paul Volponi. In turn, the co-authors are joined by several renowned martial artists, including Sammo Huang, Karen Sheperd, Grandmaster Tak Wah Eng, Grandmaster Doc-Fei Wong and Sifu Leo Imamura. A score of contributors such as basketball Hall of Famer Dave Cowens, two-time Olympic Gold medalist Kayla Harrison, glass-ceiling breaking baseball pitcher Ila Borders, famed tightrope walker Denis Josselin and World Scrabble Champion Joel Wapnick discuss how the attributes of Kung Fu relate to their many successes. The term “Kung Fu” actually translates as "time and effort equals a skill." That's why you see establishments with names such as Kung Fu Bread and Kung Fu Tea. These proprietors are not trumpeting their ability to fight. Rather, they're saying, we put in the time to study and learn our craft, and the result is that we are masters in our own arena—baking bread or brewing tea. In Asian culture, people who are said to have "good Kung Fu" have a handle on their lives. They are honest, direct, kindly and self-assured. These are values more highly prized than the ability to fight. What’s the parallel between these prized qualities and the ability to physically defend yourself like a martial arts Kung Fu master? Kung Fu, especially Wing Chun Kung Fu, is based on a center-line theory of taking the shortest path, a straight line between two points, in defending yourself. It is also based on calmness and relaxation, enabling the practitioner to feel and quickly interpret incoming forces—therefore, bringing about a swifter and more focused reaction. Cultivating such abilities will allow you to transfer their martial benefits onto daily situations in your personal, social, and business interactions. William Moy’s view of the teacher/student relationship is a simple one: “Your sifu’s role is to help you find your own Kung Fu.” Hence, there are no cookie-cutter students. Each journey will be inherently different depending upon the individual student’s physical attributes, personality and goals. In this very patient art, there are no failures, just students continuing on a path to their desired destination.

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?”

The first, long-overdue book on SpongeBob SquarePants for all agesWhen 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.

Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly Bestseller Overcome any obstacle life throws at you by thinking and responding like a world-class martial artist—without ever setting foot on the mat.Jiu-jitsu is more than a martial art; it is a lifestyle that promotes health, confidence, self-determination, and balance. Famed jiu-jitsu instructor Rener Gracie, who has coached more than 350,000 students in 196 countries, presents the core teachings of jiu-jitsu and explains how they can apply to all of our daily lives, including:• The Pyramid Principle: the importance of investing in a strong foundation • The Acceptance Principle: recognizing when it’s better to yield than to resist • The Pivot Principle: the value of changing your perspective to increase your effectiveness • The Redirection Principle: using unfavorable circumstances to create favorable outcomesIntended for both longtime fans and practitioners of jiu-jitsu as well as those completely unfamiliar with martial arts, The 32 Principles—and 32 companion videos on each principle’s physical application for self-defense from Rener himself—will help you take control of your personal and professional pursuits, supercharge your entrepreneurial spirit, and balance your relationships at work and at home.Along with multi-award–winning author Paul Volponi, this book features contributions from more than 40 champion athletes, topflight coaches, and others who have benefited from the everyday life applications of these timeless jiu-jitsu principles.

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, a.k.a. 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.

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? In That’s My Team! The History, Science, and Fun behind Sports Teams’ Names, Paul Volponi shares the answers to these questions and more. 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. Both reluctant and sports-crazed readers, teens and preteens alike, will find this book an exciting way to learn about a variety of subjects through their favorite sports teams.

In 2019, the NFL issued a list of football's one hundred greatest game-changers, and among the legendary athletes and coaches was one broadcaster: Phyllis George. The first female anchor of a major network sports show, George broke the glass ceiling in sports journalism and embodied the complexities of the women's movement of the 1970s. As a young woman, George first hit the media radar in 1971 when she won the crown of Miss America and toured the world. While many in the budding feminist movement looked down on the pageant queen, George parlayed her success into a television career and excelled in sports journalism. While she was not immune to criticism, George was never deterred by the complainants and constantly showed her inner strength and perseverance. Through the decades she cultivated a reputation as one of the most respected and strong-willed players in the rough and tumble businesses of sports and network news, breaking through the glass ceiling in one of the most male-driven industries in the world. She was a pioneer who helped pave the way for a new generation of female broadcasters. A published author in her own right and champion of the arts, George remained a stalwart advocate for female empowerment until her death in 2020. In Phyllis George: Shattering the Ceiling authors Lenny Shulman and Paul Volponi trace George's evolution from Miss America to professional broadcaster, to arts advocate, author, philanthropist, and also as First Lady of Kentucky who was instrumental in getting her husband, John Y. Brown Jr., elected Governor of that state. George's life was defined by her professionalism, her strength of character, and her uncanny ability to leave an indelible impression on all she met.

Travis Gardner lives to play quarterback. He's a standout QB by middle school, and he's prepared to put everything he has into the game. Then Gainesville University's head coach makes Travis a promise: Travis will have a place on the team, and a scholarship to go with it. He just has to get through high school first. As Travis starts ninth grade, he'll have to earn his teammates' trust and dodge opponents aiming to sack the star quarterback. 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."Travis' love for the game . . . seems absolutely authentic. This engaging read will resonate with middle schoolers, especially aspiring athletes."--Booklist

Who is the Greatest Of All Time—the GOAT? 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 GOAT 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 GOAT question of writers, superheroes, musicians, philosophers, architects, athletes, and more. Alongside icons such as mixed 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 GOAT Debate is sure to expand readers’ horizons and help answer the ultimate question: “Who is the Greatest Of All Time?”

During the sweltering summer of seventeen-year-old Paul Volponi’s life, he had only 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.

How did author Edgar Allen Poe influence the naming of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens? What major events in US history 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? In That’s My Team! The History, Science and Fun behind Sports Teams’ Names, Paul Volponi shares the answers to these questions and more. He examines how teams from a variety of sports received their names, leading readers on a fast-paced journey through different parts of the US and the world. Readers are able to view history, science, literature, pop culture, and a slew of other subjects through the lens of notable sports teams. This book also includes segments on Native Americans, minorities overcoming prejudice, the growth of women’s sports, and teams from different cultures, such as Japan. That’s My Team! features fifteen challenges that test the knowledge readers have gained through the chapters, while three “timeouts” provide readers with opportunities to create meaningful names for their own brand new sports teams. Both reluctant and sports-crazed readers, teens and pre-teens alike, will find this book an exciting way to learn about a variety of subjects through their favorite sports teams.

An unflinching story about justice, courage, and the life of one young man behind bars. It started out as an innocent day for Martin, but it quickly turned into his worst nightmare--arrested for something he didn't even mean to do. And five months later, he is still locked up in jail on infamous Rikers Island. Just when things couldn't get worse, Martin gets caught in a fight between two prisoners, and his face is slashed. He's scarred forever, but one good thing comes from the attack: Martin is transferred to a part of Rikers where inmates must attend high school. When he meets his caring and understanding teacher, will Martin open up and learn from his situation? Or will he be consumed by prison and getting revenge on his attackers? "Volponi, who taught on Rikers Island for six years, writes with an authenticity that will make readers feel Martin's fear."--Publishers Weekly "Volponi . . . 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 "With down-to-earth language based on his own experiences . . . Volponi captures the reader."--VOYA

Noah and his friends go to a predominantly 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, becomes the victim of a vicious beating that leaves him with a fractured skull. The question is, was the attacker protecting his turf, or did he target Noah just because he's black?

Huck Porter's dad was the best poker player in town, and when he dies suddenly, Huck finds that nothing makes sense anymore--except for the game Texas Hold 'em. Huck's dad was the town champion for three years running, but now that title belongs to Mr. Abbott, Huck's deplorable math teacher who ridicules his students and dreams of hitting it big in Las Vegas. Huck plans to reclaim his father's title at the annual local poker tournament--even if it means lying to everyone he knows and loves. As his lies build and the stakes get higher, will Huck even recognize himself by the end?

I Black and White møter vi to venner som kalles Black (Marcus) og White (Eddie) fordi den ene er svart og den andre hvit. De er elever på Long Island City High School, hvor de er stjerner på skolens basketballag. Meningen er at radarparet skal videre til college på idrettsstipend. Guttene har dårlig råd, og for å skaffe penger til skoleturer og kule sko begynner de å rane folk i bakgater og på mørke parkeringsplasser. Men en kveld går alt galt.Boka handler om vennskap, og om hvordan vennskap utfordres av egeninteresse. Et annet tema er det amerikanske rettssystemet og hvordan svarte og hvite fortsatt behandles ulikt. Black and White har fått flere priser, bl. a. The International Reading Association’s 2006 Young Adult Novel of the Year. Siri Hunstadbråten har tilrettelagt romanen for elever i videregående skole. Skoleutgaven inneholder bakgrunnsartikler, samt gloser og oppgaver til hvert kapittel.Using authentic voices that will draw in both strong and reluctant readers, Volponi writes a taut novel that avoids didacticism and deftly balances drama and passion on the basketball court with each boy’s private terror and anguish. Teens will want to discuss the story’s layered moral ambiguities, heartbreaking choices, and, as Marcus says, ‘the line that separates black and white’. - Gillian Engberg, Booklist

Rucker Park--a place where basketball's greatest pro players go up against street legends. Best friends Mackey and J.R. have waited their whole lives to win the basketball tournament here. But when the day of an important game arrives, J.R. is fatally stabbed. While Mackey didn't wield the knife, he feels responsible. Now he has a score to settle, but the killer is watching his every move. Mackey is determined to finish the final game of the Rucker Park Tournament on his own terms. The question is, can he do it?