About the Author:
Paul Volponi is a writer, journalist, and teacher living in New York City. From 1992 to 1998, he taught incarcerated adolescents on Rikers Island to read and write, forming the basis of his first young adult novel, Black and White, winner of the 2006 IRA Young Adult Book Award, an ALA Best Book Young Adult, and Quick Pick Award winner. His other young adult novels include, Rooftop (also a BBYA and Quick Pick winner), and Rucker Park Setup. Mr. Volponi holds an MA in American Literature from the City College of New York and a BA in English from Baruch. You can visit him online at www.paulvolponibooks.com.
From School Library Journal:
Grade 9 Up—Caldwell, CA, is a 90-minute drive from Las Vegas, but this down-on-its luck town and its close-knit residents are in another universe. Mr. Abbott is a conceited math teacher and a genuinely unpleasant individual. He is so low that he has stolen the coveted poker tournament trophy—a wristwatch—from someone in a coma, someone who happened to be Huck Porter's dying father. Huck pledges to get even, and win back the watch, by beating Mr. Abbott at his own game—no limit Texas hold 'em. In true Volponi style, this book grabs hold and won't let go. The characters are well crafted, and an elaborate description of a three-day poker tournament held at Saint Bart's rec center is riveting. A high-stakes thriller, particularly for those elusive young adult male nonreaders.—Leah Krippner, Harlem High School, Machesney Park, IL
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