Durango Street
Durango Street
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1965
Book Brief
192
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles, California • 1960s
1965
YA
12-18 years
Super Short Summary
Durango Street by Frank Bonham depicts African-American teenager Rufus Henry's struggle to avoid gang life after his release from juvenile detention. Navigating the gang-controlled environment of the Durango Street Housing Project, Rufus's efforts to remain on the right path are tested as he faces various challenges and threats from local gangs, ultimately forcing him to seek protection and leadership within a gang himself. This book involves themes of gang violence and criminal activities.
Gritty
Suspenseful
Challenging
Emotional
Dark
Reviews & Readership
568 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Frank Bonham's Durango Street is praised for its gritty portrayal of gang life and compelling character development, resonating strongly with young adult readers. Some critiques mention dated slang and stereotypical depictions, but overall, it's lauded for its engaging narrative and social relevance. A vibrant, impactful read that sparks discussion.
Who Should Read Durango Street?
Readers who would enjoy Durango Street by Frank Bonham typically appreciate gritty, realistic portrayals of urban life and youth struggles. Comparable to S. E. Hinton's The Outsiders, this book appeals to young adults interested in themes of gang dynamics, redemption, and the search for identity in challenging environments.
568 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Durango Street was published in 1965 and became a pioneer in young adult literature tackling urban life and gang culture, which was a relatively unexplored topic at the time.
The novel was adapted into a film in 1975, although it never garnered the same level of recognition as the book.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
Frank Bonham, the author of Durango Street, wrote primarily Westerns and science fiction before venturing into young adult novels with this influential book.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
192
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles, California • 1960s
1965
YA
12-18 years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!