# Greg Neri

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American author

Greg Neri Greg Neri in 2017 Pen name G. Neri Occupation Writer Alma mater University of California, Santa Cruz Notable works Yummy, Ghetto Cowboy, Tru & Nelle, My Antarctica Website www.gneri.com

**Greg Neri** (pen name **G. Neri**) is an American author and is known for his work in [young adult fiction](/source/Young_adult_fiction). He has written books in [free verse](/source/Free_verse) and novelistic prose, as well as [graphic novels](/source/Graphic_novel) and non-fiction. He has written 16 books for young people.[1] Neri is the winner of the [Michael L. Printz award](/source/Michael_L._Printz_Award), the [ALA/SLJ Young Adult Literary Award](https://www.bcala.org/awards-and-news/youth), and a [Coretta Scott King honor](/source/Coretta_Scott_King_Award), as well as being honored by [the Simon Wiesenthal Center](/source/Simon_Wiesenthal_Center) and the [International Reading Association](/source/International_Reading_Association).

## Personal life and education

Greg Neri was raised in [Los Angeles, California](/source/Los_Angeles%2C_California). He moved to [Santa Cruz, California](/source/Santa_Cruz%2C_California), to attend the [University of California, Santa Cruz](/source/University_of_California%2C_Santa_Cruz). In 2001, he illustrated his first book for [Scholastic](/source/Scholastic_Corporation), but turned to writing in 2005.[2] In 2017, he went to Antarctica on a grant from the National Science Foundation.[3] In 2023, he was given an honorary doctorate for his literary output and polar science outreach from the State University of New York (SUNY).[4] He currently resides in Tampa, [Florida](/source/Florida) with his wife Maggie.[5]

## Books

Neri's 2007 first novel, *Chess Rumble*, is about an 11-year-old inner-city teen named Marcus who fights back against his bully, but is challenged by a chess master to fight his battles on the chessboard instead.[6] *Chess Rumble* received praise from critics and bloggers. *[School Library Journal](/source/School_Library_Journal)* said "This book will become a standby pick for reluctant readers, who will be pulled in before they know it by the story’s quick pace and the authenticity of Marcus’s voice and experience.”[7] The book was named a Notable Book by the [American Library Association](/source/American_Library_Association), the [International Reading Association](/source/International_Reading_Association), and the [National Council of Teachers of English](/source/National_Council_of_Teachers_of_English). In 2010, Neri received the Lee Bennett Hopkins Promising Poet Award from the International Reading Association for his free-verse on Chess Rumble.[8]

Neri's first novel, *Surf Mules*, revolves around two California surfers who find themselves embroiled in a world of disorganized crime. Publishers Weekly called it "Poignant and heartbreaking."[9]

Neri's graphic novel *[Yummy: the Last Days of a Southside Shorty](/source/Yummy%3A_the_Last_Days_of_a_Southside_Shorty)*[10] is about [Robert "Yummy" Sandifer](/source/Robert_Sandifer), who was eleven years old in 1994 when he became a fugitive from justice after accidentally killing a neighbor girl, before being killed by the gang he was in. The book won a Coretta Scott King honor,[11] and was honored by the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Museum of Tolerance.[12] It was named one of the best graphic novels for all ages by CNN and Flavorwire.[13][14]

His novel *Ghetto Cowboy* is inspired by the real-life black urban cowboys in [North Philadelphia](/source/North_Philadelphia). The story is about an 11-year-old named Cole, who is abandoned on the doorstep of the father he's never met, but befriends a horse and eventually becomes a cowboy. Neri has said he was inspired by an article in *[Life](/source/Life_(magazine))* magazine.[15] The [Christian Science Monitor](/source/Christian_Science_Monitor) praised the book.[16] In 2021 the novel was adapted into a motion picture for [Netflix](/source/Netflix) called *[Concrete Cowboy](/source/Concrete_Cowboy)*, starring [Idris Elba](/source/Idris_Elba) and [Caleb Mclaughlin](/source/Caleb_McLaughlin).[17]

*Knockout Games* is based on the real-life origins of the infamous knockout games in St. Louis of recent years. The story concerns a white girl who falls in with a group of middle graders and high schoolers who play the dreaded game. [Kirkus Reviews](/source/Kirkus_Reviews) gave it a [starred review](/source/Starred_review), saying: ***"***The results are thrilling... Harsh and relentless, a tough but worthy read."[18]

Neri's first picture book and biography charted the rags to riches rise of [Johnny Cash](/source/Johnny_Cash). Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal and Booklist gave it starred reviews.[19]

A second musical biography, about the childhood friendship of Simon and Garfunkel followed, called *When Paulie Met Artie*. Kirkus said, "Music lovers and fans will delight in sharing this book with young family and friends... Part nostalgia, part history, and all tuneful."[20]

Neri's middle grade novel, *Tru & Nelle* is a detective story starring [Harper Lee](/source/Harper_Lee) and [Truman Capote](/source/Truman_Capote) as children growing up in the Deep South during the Depression. In a starred review, Kirkus said, **"**An engaging portrait of two children’s authors before they became famous."[21] A sequel, A Christmas Tale, came out the following year, exploring their teenage years. In a starred review, Kirkus said, "An absorbing story of true friends in troubled times."[22]

In 2018, Neri wrote *[Grand Theft Horse](/source/Grand_Theft_Horse)*, a graphic novel biography of his cousin, the horse trainer [Gail Ruffu](/source/Gail_Ruffu), who stole a racehorse to save its life. School Library Journal said, ***“***VERDICT: Superb. Ruffu’s tenacity and the book’s satisfying conclusion will appeal to fans of the “March” trilogy.”[23]

In 2020, his book Ghetto Cowboy was adapted into the Netflix film, [Concrete Cowboy](/source/Concrete_Cowboy), starring Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin. He served as Executive Producer. The film debuted at #1 over Easter weekend, 2021. Variety called it a "Masterful Father-Son Drama."[24] A novel sequel, [Polo Cowboy](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/g-neri/polo-cowboy/), came out the following year.

2024 saw the release of his multiple starred-reviewed books, [My Antarctica](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/g-neri/my-antarctica/) (a travel memoir about his time in Antarctica), and [Safe Passage](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/g-neri/safe-passage-neri/) (a follow-up to his graphic novel, Yummy), as well as a [Michael L. Printz](/source/Michael_L._Printz_Award) award for his contribution to the anthology, *The Collectors: Stories*.[25]

2026 saw the release of his second travel memoir for kids, *My Bicentennial Summer*, based on an epic road trip he took with his family as a kid, where they drove 8,000 miles around the country during the Bicentennial in search of the ideals of America. [26]

## Writing approach

Neri has been asked about what themes he writes about and for whom. He has said that "I'm trying to re-think the notion of what a book means to urban teens. Many teens can make it through high school without ever having read a book of fiction. But that's because to them, books are big, full of words, and told in a voice that is alien to them. Most of these kids are now born into a more visual society, so I think playing with graphic novels and illustrations and using voices and characters that you don't see often in literature is a big plus for reluctant readers in the city. I see my books as gateway books to Jane Austen."[27]

## Publications

### Novels

- *Surf Mules* (Carolrhoda Lab, 2009) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-399-25086-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-399-25086-7)

- *Ghetto Cowboy* (Candlewick, 2011) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-7636-4922-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7636-4922-7)

- *Knockout Games* (Carolrhoda Lab, 2014) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1467732697](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1467732697)

- *Polo Cowboy* (Candlewick, 2021) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1536233070](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1536233070)

- *Tru & Nelle* (HMH, 2016) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1328740953](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1328740953)

- *Tru & Nelle: A Christmas Tale* (HMH 2017) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1328685988](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1328685988)

### Graphic novels

- *Yummy: the Last Days of a Southside Shorty* (Lee and Low, 2010) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-58430-267-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-58430-267-4)

- *Grand Theft Horse* (Tu, 2018) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-62014-855-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-62014-855-6)[28]

- *The Time Traveling Dino Detectives of Antarctica* (Ice Boy Comics, 2020) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780578624730](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780578624730)

- *Safe Passage* (Lee and Low, 2023) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1643790343](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1643790343)

### Free-verse novellas/ Picture books

- *Chess Rumble* (Lee and Low, 2007) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-58430-279-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-58430-279-7)

- *Hello, I'm Johnny Cash* (Candlewick, 2014) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0763662455](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0763662455)

- *When Paulie Met Artie* (Candlewick, 2018) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0763681746](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0763681746)

- *Christo and Jeanne-Claude Wrap the World* (Candlewick, 2023) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1536216615](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1536216615)

- *My Antarctica* (Candlewick, 2024) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1536223323](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1536223323)

- *My Bicentennial Summer* (Candlewick, 2026) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1536239577](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1536239577)

### Anthologies

- Who Done It (Soho Teen, 2013) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1616951528](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1616951528)

- Open Mic (Candlewick, 2016) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0763690953](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0763690953)

- Traveling the Blue Road, Poems of the Sea (Seagrass Press, 2017) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1633222762](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1633222762)

- I Remember: Poems and Pictures of Heritage (Lee and Low, 2019) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1620143117](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1620143117)

- No Voice too Small (Charles Bridge, 2020) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1623541316](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1623541316)

- The Collectors: Stories (Dutton, 2023) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0593620281](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0593620281)

### Easy Readers (as illustrator)

- *Hooray for Teeth* by Gina Shaw (Scholastic, 2001) [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-439-20642-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-439-20642-6))

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Books by — G. Neri"](https://www.gregneri.com/home). *www.gregneri.com*. Retrieved 2025-05-18.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Harrison, Maureen. ["Author Greg Neri Discovered Writing Quite By Accident"](https://arts.ucsc.edu/features/featured-story/author-greg-neri-discovered-writing-quite-accident). *University of California Santa Cruz*. Retrieved 2021-05-13.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [Publishers Weekly](https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-book-news/article/75791-g-neri-s-antarctic-adventures-in-photos.html)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Greg Neri, the Coretta Scott King Honor-Winning Author of Young Adult Fiction, to Receive Honorary Doctorate at SUNY Cobleskill's 105th Commencement – SUNY Cobleskill"](https://web.cobleskill.edu/media/2023/04/25/greg-neri-the-coretta-scott-king-honor-winning-author-of-young-adult-fiction-to-receive-honorary-doctorate-at-suny-cobleskills-105th-commencement/). Retrieved 2024-05-31.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Steele, Charlotte - Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine, January 10, 2008

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Chess Rumble"](http://www.leeandlow.com/books/32/hc/chess_rumble). Leeandlow.com. Retrieved 13 October 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Reviews - Chess Rumble | Lee & Low Books"](https://www.leeandlow.com/books/chess-rumble/reviews/645). *www.leeandlow.com*. Retrieved 2020-12-01.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["November 15 is the Deadline for IRA Promising Poet Award"](https://www.literacyworldwide.org/blog/literacy-now/2012/10/08/november-15-is-the-deadline-for-ira-promising-poet-award). *www.literacyworldwide.org*. Retrieved 2020-12-01.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["Children's Book Review: Surf Mules by G. Neri, Author . Putnam $16.99 (273p) ISBN 978-0-399-25086-6"](https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-399-25086-6). *PublishersWeekly.com*. Retrieved 2020-12-01.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["BtB Social Justice Initiative: An Interview with Author Greg Ner"](https://www.behindthebook.org/btb-social-justice-initiative-an-interview-with-author-greg-neri/). *Behind the Book*. Retrieved 2021-05-13.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty | Awards & Grants"](http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/content/yummy-last-days-southside-shorty). *www.ala.org*. Retrieved 2020-12-01.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Previous Winners"](https://www.museumoftolerance.com/education/archives-and-reference-library/once-upon-a-world-childrens-book-award/previous-winners.html). *www.museumoftolerance.com*. Retrieved 2020-12-01.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** Toy, Daniel (2020-09-11). ["The best graphic novels for readers of all ages, from kids to adults"](https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/11/cnn-underscored/best-graphic-novels/index.html). *CNN Underscored*. Retrieved 2020-12-01.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Hiramine, Brie (18 April 2014). ["25 Essential Graphic Novels"](https://www.flavorwire.com/451552/25-essential-graphic-novels). *Flavorwire*. Retrieved 2020-12-01.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Life magazine article, April 22, 2005

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Christian Science Monitor article by Augusta Scattergood (September 1, 2011)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Jackson, Angelique (2020-10-26). ["'Concrete Cowboy' Starring Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin Lands at Netflix"](https://variety.com/2020/film/news/idris-elba-concrete-cowboy-netflix-1234815612/). *Variety*. Retrieved 2020-12-01.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** Kirkus Reviews (May 12, 2014)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** Kirkus Reviews(July 16, 2014)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** [*WHEN PAUL MET ARTIE | Kirkus Reviews*](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/g-neri/when-paul-met-artie/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** [*TRU & NELLE | Kirkus Reviews*](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/g-neri/tru-and-nelle/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** [*TRU & NELLE | Kirkus Reviews*](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/g-neri/tru-nelle/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** G, Neri. ["Grand Theft Horse"](https://www.slj.com/?reviewDetail=grand-theft-horse). *School Library Journal*. Retrieved 2020-12-01.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Debruge, Peter (2020-09-14). ["'Concrete Cowboy' Review: Idris Elba Plays a Tough Inner-City Horseman in Masterful Father-Son Drama"](https://variety.com/2020/film/reviews/concrete-cowboy-review-idris-elba-1234768499/). *Variety*. Retrieved 2024-05-31.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Yorio, Kara. ["'The Collectors: Stories' is First Anthology To Win the Printz"](https://www.slj.com/story/The-Collectors-Stories-First-Anthology-To-Win-the-Printz). *School Library Journal*. Retrieved 2024-05-31.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** [https://www.slj.com/review/my-bicentennial-summer-true-adventures-from-the-most-epic-family-road-trip-of-all-time-100007207](https://www.slj.com/review/my-bicentennial-summer-true-adventures-from-the-most-epic-family-road-trip-of-all-time-100007207)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** ["G. Neri"](http://thebrownbookshelf.com/2008/02/05/g-neri). Thebrownbookshelf.com. 5 February 2008. Retrieved 13 October 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["GRAND THEFT HORSE | Kirkus Reviews"](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/g-neri/grand-theft-horse/).

## External links

- [Official website](http://gregneri.com)

- [Greg Neri](https://lccn.loc.gov/n00003810) at the [Library of Congress](/source/Library_of_Congress), with 7 library catalog records

v t e Michael L. Printz Award 2000: Myers – Monster 2001: Almond – Kit's Wilderness 2002: Na – A Step From Heaven 2003: Chambers – Postcards from No Man's Land 2004: Johnson – The First Part Last 2005: Rosoff – How I Live Now 2006: Green – Looking for Alaska 2007: Yang – American Born Chinese 2008: McCaughrean – The White Darkness 2009: Marchetta – On the Jellicoe Road 2010: Bray – Going Bovine 2011: Bacigalupi – Ship Breaker 2012: Whaley – Where Things Come Back 2013: Lake – In Darkness 2014: Sedgwick – Midwinterblood 2015: Nelson – I'll Give You the Sun 2016: Ruby – Bone Gap 2017: Lewis, Aydin, and Powell – March: Book Three 2018: LaCour – We Are Okay 2019: Acevedo – The Poet X 2020: King – Dig 2021: Nayeri – Everything Sad Is Untrue 2022: Boulley – Firekeeper's Daughter 2023: Tahir – All My Rage 2024: King, Anderson, Charlton-Trujillo, Levithan, McCarthy, McLemore, Neri, Reynolds, Ribay, and Sanchez – The Collectors: Stories 2025: Teer, Julia – Brownstone

Authority control databases International ISNI VIAF GND WorldCat National United States Israel People DDB Other Yale LUX

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