A fastball of a book by Paul Volponi—an author who knows sports and suspense! Julio Ramirez Jr. lives in the shadow of his famous father. Not just because Julio Senior is a pitcher for the Miami Marlins and famous for his scorching fastball, but because he defected from Cuba, leaving Julio and his sister and mother branded as the family of a traitor. Now sixteen, Julio has dreams of playing shortstop for Cuba's national team--until he's given the opportunity to sail to the U.S. Can he abandon his family, just like his Papi did? Is freedom 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 all about his son?
"An entertaining tale of baseball, family and loyalty."—Kirkus Reviews
“Volponi once again delivers top-notch sports fare coupled with a deeper story of family and fidelity. . . Readers will identify with Julio as he juggles dreams, bitterness, and family loyalties in this lyrical, spare novel.”—Booklist
“A poignant story. . . this is a must-read for any teen who not only loves stories about sports but also enjoys reading about families.”—VOYA
Praise for Game Seven: "An entertaining tale of baseball, family and loyalty."—
Kirkus Reviews“Volponi once again delivers top-notch sports fare coupled with a deeper story of family and fidelity. . . Readers will identify with Julio as he juggles dreams, bitterness, and family loyalties in this lyrical, spare novel.”—
Booklist “A poignant story. . . this is a must-read for any teen who not only loves stories about sports but also enjoys reading about families.”—
VOYA Praise for The Final Four by Paul Volponi:
"A triple-overtime game keeps readers on the edge of their seats.”—
BCCB,
starred review“This gritty, realistic, and riveting novel deserves the wide audience it will no doubt attract.”—
School Library Journal,
starred review
"Volponi nails it when it counts in this dynamic story.”—
Booklist,
starred review"Volponi, a multiple award-winning author, keeps the tension high from the first to last page ...
The Final Four is definitely a winner."—
VOYA,
starred review "Volponi's latest combines in-the-moment action, basketball history and the points of view of four college ballplayers with very different lives ... No story or character is simple."—
Kirkus Reviews"
The Final Four does a terrific job of capturing the emotion of March Madness.”—Mike Krzyzewski, Head Coach, Men's Basketball, Duke University
“This is a great story about how one sport can transcend different experiences, backgrounds, and beliefs, and unite in a desire to succeed.” —Jim Calhoun, Head Coach, Men's Basketball, University of Connecticut (2010 National Champions)
“It was inspirational to a coach and full of lessons to children of many ages.”—Jamie Dixon, Head Coach, Men's Basketball, University of Pittsburgh
"A rocket ride of a plot that rips you into the story from the first line.”—Paul Griffin, author of
Stay With Me
“Paul Volponi delivers a high-octane basketball story fans will cheer for.”—Tim Green, author of
Deep Zone, a Football Genius novel
