Finally, the first, long-overdue book on SpongeBob SquarePants for all ages!When SpongeBob SquarePants debuted in 1999, the fun-loving, pure-hearted title character took the world of animation by storm, riding a virtual tsunami of praise. As the 25th anniversary of the show nears, it’s time to look back at where it all began and revisit all the adventures from the best episodes.In SpongeBob SquarePants: ...

A unique exploration of opening lines from classic literature to modern music.You never get a second chance to make a first impression. In that spirit, Famous First Impressions: The Power of Perfect Opening Lines revels in the greatest openings from novels, plays, poems, songs, films, speeches, and more. Bestselling author Paul Volponi examines how talented writers and artists instantly gain our attention, often in just a few words, and dissects each line'...

**In the game of a lifetime, four basketball players will test their skills, teamwork, determination, and resilience in this young adult sports novel.“This is a great story about how one sport can transcend different experiences, background, and beliefs, and unite in a desire to succeed.”—Jim Calhoun, former Head Coach, Men’s Basketball, University of Connecticut“Does a terrific job of capturing the emotion of March Madness.”—Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, former Head Coach, Me...

**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 ...

A fascinating exploration of the science, history, literature, and culture behind comic book superheroes’ powers and origins.How does Superman’s strength allow him to squeeze a chunk of coal into a diamond? What’s the connection between Wonder Woman’s golden Lasso of Truth and a lie detector? Why does the Black Panther speak so many different languages? What does Natasha Romanova (aka Black Widow) teach us about the Cold War?All this and more is explored in

“[Streetball Is Life] is filled with cinematic details and colorful characters, which bring the streetball subculture to life.”-School Library JournalFrom award-winning YA author Paul Volponi comes the true story of his unforgettable summer spent proving himself as a New York City streetballer, only to discover that he had gained skills that would enrich his life off the court, as well.During the sweltering summer of seven...

**A young baseball prodigy dreams of following in his famous father’s footsteps and playing for Cuba’s national team in this suspenseful novel of loyalty and survival.“Top-notch sports fare coupled with a deeper story of family and fidelity.”—Booklist**He’ll risk everything on a dream . . .Julio has always lived in the shadow of his famous father, who fled Cuba to pitch for the Miami Marlins, leaving Julio and his mother and sister branded as the family of ...

How did author Edgar Allen Poe influence the naming of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens? What major historical events inspired the naming of the Philadelphia 76ers, San Francisco 49ers, and Oklahoma Sooners? And what caused the NBA’s Washington Bullets to change their name to the Wizards?In That’s My Team! The History, Science, and Fun behind Sports Teams’ Names, Paul Volponi shares the answers to these questions and more. Leading readers on a fast-paced journey through different parts o...

Who is the Greatest Of All Time-the G.O.A.T.? This is the question debated constantly between fans for any number of categories. Who is the greatest basketball player of all time? The greatest band? Video game? Sci-fi movie?In The Great G.O.A.T. Debate: The Best of the Best in Everything from Sports to Science, award-winning young adult author Paul Volponi explores the “greatest of all time” in over twenty-five different categories. Volponi asks the G.O.A.T. question of wr...

Travis Gardner lives to play quarterback.He's a standout QB by middle school, and he's prepared to put everything he has into the game. Then Gainesville University's head coach makes Travis a promise: Travis will have a place on the team, and a scholarship to go with it. He just has to get through high school first.As Travis starts ninth grade, he'll have to earn his teammates' trust and dodge opponents aiming to sack the star quarterback. But his biggest ch...

"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 reviewMarch Madness is in full swing, and there are only four teams let in the NCAA basketball championship. The heavily favored Michigan Spartans and the underdog Troy Trojans meet in the first game in the seminfinals, and it's there that the fates of Malcolm, Roko, Crispin, and M.J. intertwine. As the last moments...

From the critically acclaimed author Black and White comes this finely wrought story of bullies, victims, and the bystanders caught in between.How do you decide when to stand by and when to take a stand?Adonis is on the football team. He’s dating one of the hottest girls at school. He’s a guy’s guy. He’s tough.Alan is the new kid in school. He joins the Fashion Club, wears lipstick, and wants to be called Alana.The football...