Rikers High
Rikers High by Paul Volponi is a revised edition published by Penguin Young Readers Group on February 17, 2011. This young adult fiction novel presents an unflinching story about justice, courage, and the life of a young man navigating the challenges of incarceration on Rikers Island. The narrative follows Martin, who finds himself arrested for an unintended crime and enduring the harsh realities of prison life, including a violent encounter that leaves him scarred both physically and emotionally.
As Martin is transferred to a section of Rikers where inmates attend high school, he encounters a caring teacher who may help him confront his circumstances. The book explores themes of law and crime, as well as the complexities of city life, while delving into Martin’s internal struggle between seeking revenge and finding a path to redemption. With a page count of 272, this edition offers readers a vivid portrayal of the dynamics within the prison system, highlighting the interactions between inmates and staff, and the broader implications of life behind bars.
Official synopsis Publisher
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
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