The Bully: Illustrated Edition
Overview
The Bully has captivated millions of readers since it burst onto bookshelves in 2001. Today this gripping story from the Bluford Series has been supercharged in a special illustrated edition. Featuring 28 original sketches from acclaimed artist Gerald Purnell, the Bully: Illustrated edition will hook readers on page 1—and leave them on the edge of their seats to the very end.
A new life. A new school. A new bully. That’s what Darrell Mercer faces when he and his mother move from Philadelphia to California. After spending months living in fear, Darrell is faced with a big decision. He can either keep on running from this bully—or find some way to fight back.
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The Bluford Series is a Proven Gateway to Reading
Millions of teens have discovered or rediscovered the joy of reading with this collection of young adult novels set at Bluford High School. Here’s why:
- Engaging topics: Characters in the Bluford Series face situations that middle- and high-schoolers care about, making them want to read.
- Emotional depth: Bluford books tell gripping stories and carry an emotional punch. Each can be read alone but is also connected to events in other books. Readers join a complex world they want to explore.
- Uplifting stories: Each book celebrates teens who make positive choices, especially when such actions are difficult or unpopular.
- Accessible writing: This groundbreaking hi-lo series has content sophisticated enough for high-school students, while reading level is between 5th and 6th grade Lexile range: 570–760.
- Short length: Each novel in the Bluford Series contains fewer than 200 pages, motivating readers to finish their books—a pivotal step toward becoming regular readers!
- Broad appeal: Action, suspense, mystery, and romance fill the pages of the Bluford Series, offering something for all readers—boys and girls alike.
- Proven success: Students, teachers, parents, librarians, researchers, and policymakers agree: The Bluford Series can transform nonreaders into avid readers.
Gerald Purnell
Gerald Purnell is a multi-award-winning fine artist and illustrator. A native of West Philly, he attended public school and went on to graduate from Cheyney University with a degree in fine arts. After graduating, he worked several “day jobs,” including a department store window designer, telephone book ad creator, and Critics Choice Awards engraver, while also pursuing his true passion: creating art.
As cover artist of the Bluford Series, Gerald—through his striking pastel illustrations—provides the crucial “hook” that has drawn in a legion of reluctant readers, opening the door to a lifetime love of books. He is an also the illustrator of several children’s picture books, two of which have been inducted into the U.S. Library of Congress Permanent Collection: Am I a Color Too? and Pass It On.
A common theme in Gerald’s work is celebrating diversity and the power of the indomitable spirit of our youth. According to him, “Bluford is the perfect conduit for my mission to create images that both reflect and inspire our youth to read.”
Gerald lives in South Jersey with his wife and enjoys spending time with his two grown children and their families. He continues to work on new Bluford projects and can’t wait to share his latest creations!
Paul Langan
Paul Langan is the creator and editor of the Bluford Series. Born to a single mother in Philadelphia, Paul spent his early childhood in the city before moving to southern New Jersey. There he attended public schools and worked a variety of odd jobs including salesperson at a shoe store, attendant at a horse ranch, and landscaper at a mental hospital.
The sudden death of his stepfather while Paul was in twelfth grade shattered his home and derailed his college plans. After a year working nights in a warehouse, Paul took classes at community college and transferred to La Salle University. There he studied writing and literature, tutored in a Philly prison, lived with international students, and traveled to his roommate’s home in Kenya.
Paul’s experiences inspired him to write and teach. He earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania and joined Townsend Press as an editorial assistant, where he developed a concept for a series of novels to engage teens: the Bluford Series. His stories draw from his own experiences growing up without a father, being bullied in school, and coping with the loss of a loved one as a teenager. His books have gone on to reach millions of readers nationwide.
Paul lives with his wife and children near Philadelphia.