Frank Bonham, whose journey began in the sun-drenched city of Los Angeles on
February 25, 1914, was educated at Glendale College. His life took a heroic
turn as he served in the army during the turbulent days of World War II before
immersing himself wholeheartedly in the world of writing. Bonham's pen was
ever-moving, crafting hundreds of short stories that graced the pages of
prestigious magazines like McCall's and the Saturday Evening
Post. His creative endeavors extended to a bountiful collection of western
novels and a trove of television scripts, many of which shaped the beloved
western shows of the 1950s and 1960s.
Initially, Bonham enthralled young adult readers with high-stakes adventure
tales. However, as the 1960s unfolded, his curiosity shifted towards the gritty
realities faced by juvenile delinquents and minority communities in America's
urban landscapes. Driven by a desire to understand, he visited young offenders
behind bars and embarked on self-directed investigations into their worlds.
This newfound awareness propelled him to pen novels for young audiences,
depicting the struggles and triumphs of minority youths navigating city life,
with a sharp focus on the stories of young Hispanics. In addition to these
narratives, Bonham is currently crafting a series of biographies aimed at
inspiring young minds.