Edward Bloor

Edward Bloor is an American author primarily known for writing young adult fiction. His most acclaimed work is the 1997 novel "Tangerine," which explores themes of family, truth, and identity through the story of a legally blind soccer player in Florida. After beginning his writing career in 1986, Bloor has published several notable works including "Crusader," "Story Time," and "London Calling." His novels often tackle serious social issues while incorporating elements of mystery and suspense within realistic contemporary settings. Born in 1950 in Trenton, New Jersey, Bloor earned his BA from Fordham University and later settled in Winter Garden, Florida. His background in education and his experience living in Florida have influenced many of his works, particularly the setting and themes of "Tangerine." Bloor continues to write for young adult audiences, with his books being widely used in middle school and high school curricula across the United States. His works consistently demonstrate a sophisticated approach to young adult literature, addressing complex themes while maintaining accessibility for teenage readers.

Readers appreciate Bloor's ability to tackle serious social issues through accessible young adult fiction. His most-reviewed book "Tangerine" maintains a 3.8/5 rating on Goodreads (150,000+ ratings) and 4.5/5 on Amazon (1,000+ ratings). Readers highlight: - Complex characters who face realistic challenges - Integration of sports themes with deeper social commentary - Books that prompt discussions between parents and children - Writing style that engages reluctant readers Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in opening chapters - Too many subplots that don't fully resolve - Some characters feel underdeveloped - Heavy-handed messaging in later works One middle school teacher noted: "My struggling readers connect with Paul's outsider perspective in Tangerine." A parent reviewer wrote: "Story keeps kids interested while addressing bullying and family dynamics." His other books receive similar ratings: "London Calling" (3.7/5), "Story Time" (3.6/5), and "Taken" (3.5/5), though with significantly fewer total reviews.

Tangerine (1997) A legally blind seventh-grader uncovers dark family secrets and confronts social issues while pursuing his passion for soccer in a small Florida town.

Crusader (1999) A teenage girl investigates her mother's murder while working at her father's virtual reality arcade, exploring themes of racism, violence, and truth.

Story Time (2004) Students at a high-stakes test preparation academy face supernatural occurrences while dealing with the pressures of standardized testing.

London Calling (2006) A struggling middle school student receives messages from World War II-era London through an antique radio, leading him to uncover historical truths.

Gary Schmidt writes coming-of-age stories featuring young protagonists dealing with family dynamics and social challenges. His novels like "The Wednesday Wars" and "Okay for Now" blend serious themes with moments of discovery, similar to Bloor's narrative style.

Carl Hiaasen sets his young adult novels in Florida and combines environmental themes with mystery elements. His books feature young characters uncovering truth and standing up for what's right, often incorporating local settings and social commentary.

Jerry Spinelli creates stories about outsiders navigating social hierarchies and personal identity. His characters face similar struggles to Bloor's protagonists, dealing with family expectations and finding their place in challenging environments.

Chris Crutcher writes about teens confronting difficult social issues and family conflicts in contemporary settings. His work addresses serious themes through sports contexts and features protagonists who must overcome personal obstacles.

Neal Shusterman combines realistic issues with elements of suspense in his young adult fiction. His books explore complex moral questions and feature characters questioning society's structures, similar to the thematic approach in Bloor's works.