Neri

Award Winning Author for All Ages

Multiple National Science Foundation Grantee

Travels from: Tampa, FL

“If there’s one thing Neri does well it’s tell a tale that needs to be told. There’s an honesty to Neri’s writing that kids are going to respond to. They’ll discover a book that speaks to them.” — Elizabeth Bird, School Library Journal

G. Neri is the Michael L. Printz and Coretta Scott King award-winning author of such books as the bestselling Yummy: the Last Days of a Southside Shorty and Ghetto Cowboy, which was made into the movie, Concrete Cowboy, starring Idris Elba. His books have been translated into multiple languages in over 25 countries. They include My Antarctica, Safe Passage, The Collectors, Tru & Nelle, Grand Theft Horse, Christo and Jeanne-Claude Wrap the World, Hello, I’m Johnny Cash, Chess Rumble and his newest book My Bicentennial Summer: True Adventures from the Most Epic Family Road Trip of All Time (March 2026). In 2017, he was awarded the first of two National Science Foundation grants that sent him to Antarctica; he is currently co-chair of the Antarctic Artists and Writers Collective. In 2023, he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from SUNY for his literary and Antarctic output. He writes full-time while living on the Gulf Coast of Florida with his wife and daughter.

My Bicentennial Summer: True Adventures from the Most Epic Family Road Trip of All Time

Candlewick |

March 3, 2026

Children’s

Award-winning author G. Neri reflects on a childhood cross-country road trip with his family, sharing the wonder of America’s most famous landmarks, the best (and worst) of its history, and the remarkable diversity of its people.

The year is 1976, and America is throwing its biggest birthday party ever—its bicentennial. What better way to celebrate than with an eight-thousand-mile road trip? In this vibrant follow-up to his travelogue, My Antarctica: True Adventures in the Land of Mummified Seals, Space Robots, and So Much More, author G. Neri recalls his family’s real-life journey in a station wagon crossing twenty-six states in seven weeks, from California to Washington, DC, with only the aid of paper maps and transistor radios rather than smartphones and GPS. Young Greg is entranced by the variety of accents, strange foods, natural wonders, and historical attractions, from the Grand Canyon to the Statue of Liberty. He meets Civil War reenactors at Gettysburg, protesters in Philadelphia, pioneer wagon riders in Valley Forge, and his own rambunctious Texan cousins. And he glimpses the darker side of traveling as a family of color, pondering whether “We the People” includes people like him. Engaging text, sidebars, photos, and dynamic illustrations by Corban Wilkin create a personal snapshot of this extraordinary moment in US history, when a weary, post-Vietnam nation embraced the spirit of celebration. Back matter includes an author’s note, history and travel facts, and recommended reading.

Creative Nonfiction, History & Biography, Illustration & Graphic Storytelling, Kid-Lit: Middle Grade, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Memoir & Personal Journeys, Nonfiction, Travel Narratives

Safe Passage

Tu Books |

March 10, 2024

Middle Grade/Young Adult Graphic Novel

In this companion to bestselling and highly acclaimed Yummy, Coretta Scott King Honor-winning author G. Neri returns with an epic journey across the South Side of Chicago for Darius, his little sister Cissy, and his best friend Booger as they set out to find an armored truck that has lost a payload of cash.

Thirteen-year-old Darius is going through a rough time. It’s almost been a year since a terrible act of violence took the life of his mother and left him with a wound both in his leg and in his heart. With his stepdad out of work; his little sister, Cissy, always on his case; and the looming prospect of foreclosure on their house, he feels his world closing in on him.

But Darius’s best friend, Booger, has a plan. A Brinks armored truck has crashed on a nearby highway and money is blowing everywhere. If they can get across town and back safely, they just might get rich! But to do it, they need to cross through some of the most dangerous streets in Chicago, staying ahead of the gangs that rule those neighborhoods.

Before long, their adventures blow up on social media as Booger documents their search for riches, and everyone is after them. Can they get home without falling victim to the violence of the streets? Sometimes, on the streets of Chicago, there is no Safe Passage.

Bestseller, Grief & Loss, Illustration & Graphic Storytelling, Kid-Lit: Middle Grade, Kid-Lit: Young Adult, Mystery & Thriller

My Antarctica: True Adventures in the Land of Mummified Seals, Space Robots, and So Much More

Candlewick |

March 5, 2024

Children’s/Middle Grade Travel Memoir

Follow Coretta Scott King Honor–winning author G. Neri to the end of the world in a captivating travel memoir that explores Antarctica through the curiosity and wonder of his inner child—the kid who dreamed of one day becoming an explorer.

Antarctica is a land of extremes—the coldest, windiest, highest, and driest place on the planet. It’s a world where the sun stays hidden half of the year and where visitors must undergo a week of special training before it’s safe to go outside (watch out for lava bombs!). It’s also a place of stark beauty, history, and endless scientific research. Join beloved author G. Neri on his long-dreamed-of voyage to the ice, where he taps into his inner child and encounters sea angels, mummified seals, space robots, inquisitive penguins, and so much more. Abundant full-color photographs (many by the author) and annotated comics and illustrations from Corban Wilkin depict an unforgettable stay in a land of baffling mysteries to uncover, epic questions to ponder, and bigger-than-life stories to tell. Robust back matter includes more facts and history, recommended source material, and answers to questions about everything from logistics (how do you sleep?) to cool science (why is Blood Falls red?). This eye-opening, information-packed memoir—shaped by the author’s visits with school groups upon his return—sparkles with his heartfelt journey of discovery.

Kid-Lit: Middle Grade, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Memoir & Personal Journeys, Natural World, Travel Narratives

Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty

Lee & Low Books |

July 31, 2010

Teen Biography Comic

Eleven-year old Roger is trying to make sense of his classmate Robert “Yummy” Sandifer’s death, but first he has to make sense of Yummy’s life. Yummy could be as tough as a pit bull sometimes. Other times he was as sweet as the sugary treats he loved to eat. Was Yummy some sort of monster, or just another kid? As Roger searches for the truth, he finds more and more questions. How did Yummy end up in so much trouble? Did he really kill someone? And why do all the answers seem to lead back to a gang-the same gang to which Roger’s older brother belongs? Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty is a compelling graphic dramatization based on events that occurred in Chicago in 1994. This gritty exploration of youth gang life will force readers to question their own understandings of good and bad, right and wrong.

Bestseller, Creative Nonfiction, Grief & Loss, Illustration & Graphic Storytelling, Kid-Lit: Middle Grade, Kid-Lit: Young Adult, Memoir & Personal Journeys

My Bicentennial Summer: A Children's Author Explores America

Join author G. Neri as he takes us on an unbelievable childhood journey where he and his family traveled for 2 months across 8,000 miles and 26 states in a station wagon to rediscover America during its 200th bicentennial birthday. Close encounters with tornados, bears, bizarre roadside attractions, revolutionary and civil war reenactors, little known historical sites, and spectacular national parks highlight our nation’s history in all its unique and fascinating glory. A perfect way to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday in 2026. Grades 2-7

My Antarctica: a children's author explores the most extreme continent on Earth

Join author G. Neri on his 2-month STEAM expedition to the end of the world, Antarctica. Mummified seals? Space Robots? Sea Angels? Dinosaurs? It’s all true as G explores above and below the ice in this epic STEAM adventure. Grades 2-6

From Concrete Cowboys to Antarctic Robots: True adventures with author/explorer G. Neri

Award-winning author takes us on his journey as a writer for young people, which has taken him from the inner cities of Southside Chicago and North Philly to snowy Siberia, wild South Africa and the end of the world in Antarctica–all in search of story. Grades 5-12

Yummy and Safe Passage: Urban graphic novels come to life

Neri tells the true stories of a neighborhood in the southside of Chicago, 30 years apart. Yummy has been hailed as one of the top 25 most essential graphic novels of all-time, while Safe Passage was called “an amazing achievement.” The books explore how gang violence change the lives of young people and how these young people learn to survive. Grades 7-12

Ghetto Cowboy: From real-life to book to movie

Join author G. Neri as he explores the hidden world of North Philadelphia, a world filled with Black urban cowboys. Turning a spotlight on this modern-day western, G first writes the novel, Ghetto Cowboy, then makes the movie, Concrete Cowboy, starring Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin. A sequel, Polo Cowboy explores the first African American Polo team! Real stories for real teens. Grades 5-12

Books Save Lives: author G. Neri spreads the word

Through his books, Neri has helped to transform lives. His words have reached reluctant and non-readers, from inner city schools to juvenile detention facilities. He has helped turn dropouts into PhD students and give voice to students struggling with issues from gang violence to depression. Can a book save a life. The answer is yes. Grades 5-12

“This was my second time bringing Greg to Kalamazoo! I already want him to visit again. Greg connects with students so well. On each visit, Greg has gone with us to visit students residing in our juvenile detention center. Greg knew that the students had been preparing for his visit by reading his graphic novel Yummy, and he kindly surprised them with copies of Safe Passage. Reading with kids is impactful, and when they meet the creators, we are helping solidify core memories of positive literacy experiences. Thank you, Greg, I hope we cross paths again!” — Kalamazoo Public Library 2025

“G. Neri is an inspirational and dynamic voice in today’s literary scene – and we could not have been more excited to host him for an author talk! He is an inspiration to people of all ages; his curiosity, zest for life, and genuine connection with others shine through both on and off the stage. It was an honor to have him with us, and we’re so grateful for the impact he left on our community.” — La Porte County Public Library, 2025

“Greg shared some valuable insights with our grade 9 science teachers. He was very warm and friendly and patiently answered all their questions. The knowledge he shared definitely supported their learning and we will continue to seek his contributions while developing our programs.” — District School Board of Niagara, 2025

“Greg’s visual presentations really caught and kept the attendee’s attention. I’ve only heard good things from the teachers and the students.” — Fayetteville Public Library, 2024

“I cannot remember another afternoon that I have enjoyed more than being at Monroe yesterday afternoon. Mr. Neri was absolutely wonderful, and I will do everything that I can to get his books in some of our other middle schools. I read Chess Rumble last night, and I love it.” — Max Hutto, Head of Middle School Language Arts, Hillsborough County

“G. Neri’s visit was one of the highlights of the last seven years I’ve been teaching in NYC.” — Jessica Fenster-Sparber, Library Coordinator, Passages Academy

“We were lucky enough to host Greg Neri this week—and wow! what a day! First, I must tell you that SO many of my students let me know that they saw themselves in Ghetto Cowboy. “It was about me—this is my life,” was a common refrain. If you have the chance to host Mr. Neri, I cannot recommend him enough. He was a pleasure to listen to, to learn from, and to hang out with.” — S. Schulz, librarian for Moses MS, Nacogdoches, TX

Greg’s Events Link

G-Blog Link

Greg’s Media Link

Honors, Awards & Recognition

ALA/SLJ Young Adult Literary Gold Award
Michael L. Printz Award
Coretta Scott King Honor Award
Will Eisner Award Finalist
Horace Mann Award
Simon Wiesenthal/ Museum of Tolerance Honoree
Bestselling author (Yummy, Ghetto Cowboy, Tru & Nelle)
Cybil Award/ Jefferson Cup Award/ Florida Book Award
Honorary Doctorate (SUNY)
Co-chair of Antarctic Artists and Writers Collective