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Bluford Series Boxed Set
The Bluford Series is a collection of FIFTEEN young adult novels that focus on the lives of a group of high school students and their families. The series draws its name from the school which many of the characters Bluford High, named after Guion "Guy" Bluford, America's first black astronaut. Set in contemporary urban America, each novel addresses complex topics relevant to the lives of today's family, friendship, trust, isolation, violence, and peer pressure, to name a few. In addition, the books feature male and female characters and include elements from many literary genres, such as mystery, suspense, romance, and a touch of the supernatural. In other words, the Bluford Series offers something for almost every reader. Finally, the books are short (less than 200 pages) and written in a highly readable style. Reviewed in a national reading journal and praised by students and teachers nationwide, the Bluford Series appeals to readers of all ages.
2135 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Ben Alirez
10 books6 followersBen Alirez was born in Southern California and grew up on the tough streets of East Los Angeles and La Puente, California. Attending public schools, he went on to attend Rio Hondo College and Mt. San Antonio College.
Once out of high school, Ben also joined the working force, laboring as a stock-boy, factory worker, assistant bookkeeper, and utility man. He also participated in the sport of amateur boxing for a brief time. It was while attending college that Ben encountered a fellow student in racquetball class. To his great surprise, the spirited young woman nearly beat him, an encounter that so shook him, he was prompted to get to know her better—something he has been doing ever since! The two of them married a few years later and are now in their 23rd year. His wife Carolina and he have two wonderful sons—Nicholas, 20, and Eric, 16.
Ben’s interest in writing began when a co-worker declared that he had missed his calling. Her revelation came after she had just finished reading the first business document he penned. Since that time, Ben has challenged himself to learn more about writing, taking business-writing courses through his workplace and endless hours of self-study. “Brothers in Arms” was Ben’s first attempt at a novel, and it is stories that deliver positive messages of hope and redemption that interest him the most. Such an ability to write is something Ben attributes to his strong personal faith in God.
For over twenty years, Ben has been employed with a company in California where he works as an office manager. Outside of work he continues to be involved in various writing projects.
Once out of high school, Ben also joined the working force, laboring as a stock-boy, factory worker, assistant bookkeeper, and utility man. He also participated in the sport of amateur boxing for a brief time. It was while attending college that Ben encountered a fellow student in racquetball class. To his great surprise, the spirited young woman nearly beat him, an encounter that so shook him, he was prompted to get to know her better—something he has been doing ever since! The two of them married a few years later and are now in their 23rd year. His wife Carolina and he have two wonderful sons—Nicholas, 20, and Eric, 16.
Ben’s interest in writing began when a co-worker declared that he had missed his calling. Her revelation came after she had just finished reading the first business document he penned. Since that time, Ben has challenged himself to learn more about writing, taking business-writing courses through his workplace and endless hours of self-study. “Brothers in Arms” was Ben’s first attempt at a novel, and it is stories that deliver positive messages of hope and redemption that interest him the most. Such an ability to write is something Ben attributes to his strong personal faith in God.
For over twenty years, Ben has been employed with a company in California where he works as an office manager. Outside of work he continues to be involved in various writing projects.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 13, 2009
My Review:
This series just deepens my desire to work in a middle school library. How great are these books for teaching kids much needed lessons without them having to listen to adults drone on? Many kids are struggling with issues exactly like the characters in these books. It reminds me of a concept I learned early on in my degree studies - bibliotherapy. A process by which one can learn how to struggle and hopefully overcome an obstacle by growing as a person. In the book The Bully, a teacher gives Darrell the book Hatchet by Gary Paulson as a way to help him learn how to survive his new life at Bluford High. I can see using each of these books in a similar way with many students who are struggling. I can't wait to pass these along to my students.
This series just deepens my desire to work in a middle school library. How great are these books for teaching kids much needed lessons without them having to listen to adults drone on? Many kids are struggling with issues exactly like the characters in these books. It reminds me of a concept I learned early on in my degree studies - bibliotherapy. A process by which one can learn how to struggle and hopefully overcome an obstacle by growing as a person. In the book The Bully, a teacher gives Darrell the book Hatchet by Gary Paulson as a way to help him learn how to survive his new life at Bluford High. I can see using each of these books in a similar way with many students who are struggling. I can't wait to pass these along to my students.
March 16, 2013
I cant live without these books im going to have my kids read it and my grand kids read it and anyone else along the way. and im only 14. these books are intense and wonderful and always have you thirsty to read more. I cant put these books down. love love love these book very creative authors because I dislike reading till I read one of these then I cant talk nor go to sleep. keep them coming!!!
Read
April 19, 2010they are good
June 29, 2010
I like how they tell us messages that we think about everyday, but we never really think about.
November 23, 2010
it was a good series.
Read
December 21, 2010ALL OF THESE WERE GREAT BOOKS.
December 5, 2011
This is a great series!
June 26, 2012
thease books were really good i couldnt stop reading them
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews