New Releases by Paul Volponi

The compelling autobiography of retired American sportscaster Tom Durkin, known for his identifiable voice and storytelling style as he called Thoroughbred horse races to a national audience for decades.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. In that spirit, this book introduces readers to some of the greatest first words of novels, plays, poems, songs, films, and more, uncovering the importance of opening lines from classic literature to modern music and revealing how these writers instantly gain our attention.

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.

Finally, 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 krabby 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.

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.

A captivating exploration of the “greatest of all time” in over twenty-five different categories, including writers, superheroes, musicians, philosophers, and athletes, featuring greats from Bruce Lee and Leonardo da Vinci to Ella Fitzgerald and Marie Curie.

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.

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.

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

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.

Four players at the Final Four of the NCAA basketball tournament struggle with the pressures of tournament play and the expectations of society at large.

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 critically acclaimed author Paul Volponi comes this discussable and finely wrought story of bullies, victims, and the bystanders caught in between.

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

A runaway boy with nothing finds everything he needs, including a faimly, in the most unlikely of places--at a racetrack.

A novel for secondary school English classes with great writing and important themes.

When an African American high school student is beaten with a baseball bat in a white neighborhood, three boys are charged with a hate crime.

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.

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.

When Miles''s mother remarries, Miles decides to move to New Orleans to be with his father. But he and his father are very different—Miles''s dad lives for jazz, while Miles''s first love is football. Then Hurricane Katrina hits, and the two must seek refuge in the Superdome. What would normally be a dream come true for a football fan, this safe haven turns into a nightmare when the power fails and gangs take over. And when his father decides to rebel, Miles must make a choice that will alter their relationship—and their lives—forever.

Still reeling from seeing police shoot his unarmed cousin to death on the roof of a New York City housing project, seventeen-year-old Clay is dragged into the whirlwind of political manipulation that follows.