Rikers High

Rikers High tells the gripping story of Martin, a young African American man who finds himself incarcerated on Rikers Island for a crime he didn't intend to commit. The narrative explores the brutal realities of prison life, including gang conflicts and violence, which leave Martin physically and emotionally scarred. A turning point comes when he is transferred to a section of Rikers where attending high school is mandatory. Here, a compassionate teacher offers him a chance at self-reflection and a path toward resilience. Based on the author's six years of teaching on Rikers Island, this book offers an authentic and unflinching look at the juvenile justice system and the power of education and human connection in the most challenging circumstances. It is suitable for young adults aged 12-18.

Martin was sitting on the front stoop of his apartment building minding his own business when he was arrested for something he didn't even mean to do. Five months later, he's still locked up on Rikers Island, in a New York City jail. Just when it seems things couldn't get much worse, Martin is caught between two warring prisoners, and his face is slashed. Now he'll be forever marked with a prison scar. One good thing comes from the attack: Martin is transferred to a different part of Rikers where inmates are required to attend high school. If Martin opens up to a teacher who really seems to care, perhaps he'll learn a lesson more valuable than any taught in class.An award-winning author, Paul Volponi is uniquely qualified to tell Martin's story because he taught on Rikers Island for six years. He originally wrote Rikers for an adult audience. The book has been revised for young adults and is being republished as Rikers High.