The Bluford Series

The Bluford Series novels from Townsend Press were written to appeal to both intermediate and advanced readers. While content in the series is sophisticated enough for high school students and beyond, the reading level for the novels is between 5th and 6th grade. These books are especially effective with Middle School students. Each novel contains less than 200 pages, encouraging even reluctant readers to read from cover to cover. Topics, themes, and situations in the Bluford Series were chosen to engage students' real-life experiences. By having immediate relevance to students' lives, the books are more likely to keep students' interest--and teach them the value and pleasure of reading.

Taking into account recent research on gender and reading, an effort was made to ensure that students of both sexes would find the Bluford books appealing. To account for the varied preferences of young readers, the Bluford Series includes elements of many popular genres for this age group, including mystery, romance, Comedy, Drama, action, and a touch of the supernatural.

The books are written by multiple authors, including Anne Schraff (books 1-4, 7), Paul Langan (books 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12), D.M. Blackwell (book 8), Ben Alirez (book 9), and John Langan (book 13).

The books in the series are:

#1 "Lost and Found"

The first book in the series centers on the life of Bluford High sophomore Darcy Wills. Darcy doesn't know what to do with her life at this point. She has to choose between a total stranger who follows her or a threatening note that was left on her desk at her high school. Which gets worse, as her sister, Jamee, runs away in hopes of her sister Darcy will ever find her before time runs out.Where is jamee, is she still alive?Where will Darcy find her?An unexpectedcharacter is back!will they find Jamee?

#2 "A Matter of Trust"

The sequel to "Lost and Found", this book centers on Darcy's growing conflict with her old friend, Brisana Meeks. Amid jealousy and competition, Darcy fights for her relationship with Hakeem Randall and struggles with her fears over her own family's future. Also, an interesting character appears in Darcy's boring little life. A relative that left her five years ago now shows up out of nowhere. What is Darcy going to do?

#3 "Secrets in the Shadows"

Roylin Bailey is living a nightmare-and it's all his fault. It started when the new student, Korie Archer, arrived in his history class. She was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, and unlike most people at Bluford High, she seemed to like him. But when Roylin tried to impress her, he made a terrible mistake. Now one of his friends is gone, and someone is out to destroy him. Caught in a tightening web of lies and threats, Roylin is desperate for a way out.

#4 "Someone To Love Me"

This book focuses on Cindy Gibson, who first appeared in "Someone To Love Me" (This Book). Cindy meets a boy, Bobby Wallace, who is her best friend Jamee's ex. Bobby tells Cindy lots of things, but eventually she will realize he's a liar. Who will result affected in this situation?Also bobby Wallance was everything Cindy ever wished/hoped for.

#5 "The Bully"

This book focuses on the story of Darrell Mercer, a new student at Bluford High. He becomes the target of bullying from a student named Tyray Hobbs. Darrell is a small student, which only adds to his problems. He likes a girl named Amberlynn Bailey, but Tyray will do anything to humiliate Darrell and Amberlynn. Whenever Amberlynn gets around her friends its like she doesnt even know Darrell. Amberlynn has a huge crush Darrell and vice-versa. To impress her, Darrell joins the school's wresting team, but Amberlynn doesn't seem to pay attention to him. Darrell soon finds himself becoming friends with a quiet boy named Harold. The two take each other's backs and help each other gain confidence. Soon it becomes New Years and Darrell decides his resolution will be standing up to Tyray. Will he really confront his bully or will he cower in the shadows like before?

#6 "The Gun"/"Payback"

The sequel to "The Bully", this book is about Bluford High freshman Tyray Hobbs, the tormentor of Darrell Mercer. The tale traces Tyray's troubled home life,and his desire to protect himself, his desire to rebuild his reputation, and his quest to get revenge on Darrell, the only boy who ever stood up to him. Tyray lies and steals to buy a gun, then debates whether or not to use it. Will he kill Darrell?

*Originally published as "The Gun", this novel was re-published as "Payback".

#7 "Until We Meet Again"

This book focuses on the life of Darcy Wills, the same protagonist as in the first few books. In this story, she looks forward to the time of her life. But her plans are shattered by unexpected events. First, horrible news threatens to rip her boyfriend Hakeem away. And then someone new enters her life, leaving Darcy in a world of confusion. Before the summer ends, Darcy makes choices that profoundly change her, and a beloved piece of her world is lost forever.

#8 "Blood is Thicker"

this book is about a boy named Hakeem Randall who has to move with his cousin and his cousin is not nice to him. Finally the cousin starts being nice and realizes that blood is thicker.

#9 "Brothers In Arms"

Martin Luna, a new student at Bluford High, is at the center of this story. Haunted by the tragic death of his little brother Huero, Martin seeks one thing: revenge. But his mother wants more for her only remaining child. Will Martin listen to her, or will he allow anger to control him?

#10 "Summer Of Secrets"

Darcy Wills is at the center of this tale, a sequel to "Until We Meet Again". Darcy hides a painful secret from her friends and family. Yet others - including her parents and her childhood friend - are keeping secrets of their own. When the truth finally surfaces, Darcy's entire world is turned upside down.

#11 "The Fallen"

This is the sequel to Brothers in Arms. This book focuses on Martin Luna wanting to get revenge on the people that shot his little brother Huero. When Martin comes face to face with the killer, when he make a desicion that might change his life forever.

#12 "Shattered"

This sequel to "Summer of Secrets" continues the story of Darcy Wills as she begins her junior year at Bluford High School. Eager to repair her relationship with her old boyfriend Hakeem, Darcy discovers that one of her biggest fears has come true. And worse: her closest friends have been secretly lying to her. Will Darcy and Hakeem get back together or will they stay apart?

#13 "Search for Safety"

There is no escape for Ben McKee. For weeks, he's covered the bruises on his body. He's even lied to his teachers and new friends at Bluford High School. But the trouble in Ben's house isn't going away. And if he doesn't act soon, it could swallow him and his mother forever. Will he make a decision that can affect the rest of his life?