Books for Teens of Color
Here are few hints: They have sold nearly 5 million copies of their books. There are over 15 books in the series. They’ve received accolades from the Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy, the Young Adult Library Services Association and were selected for the 2009 Quickpicks for Reluctant Readers. In fact, they are among the most buzzed about books in high schools and middle schools around the country.
What are they? The Bluford Series, published by Townsend Press. Come again? While you may have not heard of them, if you ride the subway in New York City or any other city and asked the Latino or Black American kid blasting his iPod next to you what the last book he read was (besides Twilight), it would probably be one of the Bluford Books.
Set in an urban high school and featuring students of color center stage in each book, the Bluford Series has enticed millions of middle and high school students to read on subways, in libraries, and in classrooms nationwide.
“We tested these books with teens across the country, and they are a top pick nationally,” says Amy Cheney, the 2010 Chairwoman for the Quick Picks Committee, “For most of my readers, this is the first time they’ve connected, enjoyed, and talked about books.”
Paul Langan, editor and creator of the Bluford Series, was inspired to create the books after working as a coordinator of a summer reading program for Philadelphia ninth graders sponsored by Townsend Press.
“We discovered there were simply too few books that spoke to the daily interests and concerns of urban teens,” says Langan. “We know young people benefit from reading, but how can we get them reading if we have no books that interest them?” The question ultimately led Langan, with the full support of Townsend Press, to create the series.
Today, the Bluford Series is growing. With more new books on the way, chances are that millions of teenagers will continue to experience the joy of reading the Bluford Series – in classrooms, libraries, and subways near you!
Jeff Rivera is the author of Forever My Lady (Grand Central) and the founder of GumboWriters.com
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