G. Neri is the author of the middle grade free-verse novella Chess Rumble, and the upcoming teen books Yummy and Surf Mules. He writes for reluctant readers, especially urban boys and teens at risk from ages 8 to 18, creating unique formats and voices that speak directly to young people who don’t like to read.

G. Neri, an award-winning filmmaker and new media producer from Los Angeles, has also taught animation and storytelling to inner-city youth. He now lives in Tampa, where he is writing and illustrating full-time.

School rates:

$300 for up to three 50 minute presentations, plus travel expenses outside the Tampa Bay area. Class size limited to 75 students per session.

To book G. Neri for an event, visit his website at www.gneri.com, or send a request to greg@gregneri.com. He can also be reached at 813-985-5616.

Virtual visits through video conferencing, Skype, and web chats are also available options for events outside of the Gulf Coast Florida area. Contact for requirements and pricing.

 Mr. Neri can speak about one or more of the following subjects:

 •   Checkmate! using chess to play the game of life--the story behind Chess Rumble

•   Opening doors: my journey through writing, and how I found stories in the real world

•   Story slams: writing free-verse to express your inner voice

•   Rethinking the teen novel: how to use urban voices and fresh story formats to reach out to boys and reluctant readers (in service for teachers)

 Chess Rumble is the story of a young man named Marcus who is one fight away from being kicked out of school, when he encounters an unlikely chess master who challenges him to fight his battles on the chess board. Inspired by inner-city school chess enrichment programs, Chess Rumble explores the ways this strategic game empowers young people with the skills they need to anticipate their moves through the game of life. 

 Info about Chess Rumble:

ISBN: 978-1-58430-279-7. Interest & Reading Level: Grades 4-9. Themes: chess, family, school, bullying, conflict resolution, coping with death, mentors, urban life, African American interest. 

To receive school discounts for class sets of Chess Rumble, visit http://leeandlow.com/order/special.html or call toll free 1.888.320.3190 ext.28.