Rikers High

An unflinching story about justice, courage, and the life of one young man behind bars.

“Volponi, who taught on Rikers Island for six years, writes with an authenticity that will make readers feel Martin’s fear.”—Publishers Weekly

“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

Sometimes hope can come out of a horrible nightmare . . .

At only seventeen years of age, Martin Stokes is arrested and jailed for something he didn’t mean to do. And five months later, he is still in prison on Rikers Island. Just when things couldn’t get worse, Martin gets caught in a fight, and his face is slashed. Scarred forever, there is one good thing that comes from the attack: Martin is transferred to a different part of Rikers where inmates must attend high school. There he meets a teacher who gives him hope. But can Martin take the help he is offered, or will he be consumed with getting revenge on his attackers?

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs