Rooftop by Paul Volponi

Volponi, Paul (2006). Rooftop. New York: Speak (Penguin Group).

Clay is a teenage boy trying to work through his problems with drugs. Just when he is coming along, his world is turned upside down on a Rooftop.

ALA Best Book Young Adult

ALA Quick Pick

New York City Library Book for the Teen Age

Tayshas List (Texas Library Association)

“I looked out the window in my room, thinking that rooftop would be dark. But there must have been a hundred candles burning. And that roof looked like it was on fire” (Volponi, pg. 96).

What would it take to stop using drugs? What would it take to convince your cousin not to be a dealer? What would it take to cope with the death of a loved one? What would it take to make you change? Clay finds out what it would take on a Rooftop.

This book is different than anything I would pick up to read on my home, but it really hit home with how easy it can be for some people to fall into the trap of drugs. Clay's cousin thought he would have a better life by dealing drugs, but he did not see what happened to his brother because of drugs. Reading what Clay went through and how his life changed throughout the book was inspiring. Drugs are a difficult thing to overcome, but always remember that you have family and friends who are willing to help you and want what is best for you. I am grateful that I did not have to grow up in a community overrun with drugs, but would encourage those who are surrounded by that environment to do everything you can to stay away from that life-destroying environment!