Rucker Park Setup - by Paul Volponi (Paperback)

About the Book

Mackey and J.R. have waited their whole lives to win the basketball tournament at Rucker Park. On the day of their big game, J.R. is fatally stabbed. Mackey has a score to settle, but a killer watches his every move. Original.

Book Synopsis

A compelling and all too relatable story of teens waking up to the harsh realities of their beloved sport while learning what true friendship really means.

"Paul Volponi has done it again! Great story, laser-perfect characterizations, and a plot that makes you think."--Chris Crutcher

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?

Review Quotes

Praise for Black and White

"Volponi's excellent novel has it all: authentic characters, a thought-provoking plot, and heartbreaking drama."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Teens will want to discuss the story's layered moral ambiguities, heartbreaking choices, and . . . 'the line that separates black and white.'"--Booklist, starred review

"The plotting is tight, the action is swift, and the troubling outcome . . . is sadly, all too believable."--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review

"A taut tale of friendship, racial tension, and sacrifice. Social conflicts, basketball fervor, and tough personal choices makes this title a gripping story."--School Library Journal

Praise for Rooftop

"This thoughtfully crafted, deceptively simple story knits together a high-interest plot, a readable narrative crackling with street slang, and complex personal and societal issues that will engage teen readers."--Booklist, starred review

"Discussable for its handling of moral choices and the evasion of responsibility by our society's need to reduce everything to fit our preconceptions."--Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Paul Volponi is the author of the critically acclaimed young adult novel Black & White. From 1992 to 1998, he taught adolescents on Rikers Island in New York City to read and write. Mr. Volponi worked at a day treatment center like Daytop teaching students and helping them prepare for the GED. Mr. Volponi lives in New York City.