Bob Young
Bob Young was an American author and journalist, born on November 6, 1916, in Chico, California. He began his career as an editor and publisher of a local newspaper before serving in the Army during World War II. After the war, Young became the editor and publisher of another newspaper and eventually transitioned to freelance writing, producing both fiction and nonfiction throughout his career. He collaborated closely with his wife, Janet Randall, and the two often used a joint pseudonym for their work.
Young is particularly recognized for his contributions to young adult literature, with a focus on the history of the American West. They wrote notable biographies and contemporary fiction that engaged younger audiences, employing accessible language without diluting historical complexity. Some of their works, like "Saddles for Breakfast," garnered acclaim and were selected for literary guilds, highlighting their appeal to young readers. Following Young's death in 1969, his wife continued to contribute to children's literature, expanding their legacy in the realm of educational narratives for young audiences.
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Subject Terms
Bob Young
Author
- Born: November 6, 1916
- Birthplace: Chico, California
- Died: July 6, 1969
- Place of death: Martinez, California
Biography
Robert William Young was born on November 6, 1916, in Chico, California, the son of Clarence Geary Young, a salesman, and Violet Adams Young. Young attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he met Janet Randall. He earned his B.A. from the University of Nevada in 1940, and in that year married he Randall, with whom he had four children.
In 1940, he also began his journalism career as an editor and publisher of the Leader in La Verne, California. In 1943, Young began a three-year stint in the army, primarily serving in the Pacific. When he returned home, he became editor and publisher of the San Gabriel, California, Sun in 1947, a position he held for three years. From 1950 until his death in 1969, he worked as a freelance writer. He wrote both fiction and nonfiction books with his wife, and for some books the couple used the joint pseudonym Janet Randall.
Young also wrote for the magazine market, publishing his work in such periodicals as True and Argosy. However, he is best known for his young adult literature. He and his wife wrote biographies, such as Simon Bolivar: The George Washington of South America and Empire Builder: Sam Brannan, as well as contemporary young adult fiction. Most of the couple’s fiction and nonfiction centered on the history of the American West, including Goodbye Amigos and The 49’ers: The Story of the California Gold Rush. The plots of some of their books were directed at young girls, and Saddles for Breakfast and Run, Sheep, Run were Best Loved Girls Book Club selections. Saddles for Breakfast also was the couple’s second Junior Literary Guild selection; the guild selected three other books, indicating the popularity of the Youngs’ work.
Reluctant Warrior: Ulysses S. Grant exhibits some particularly engaging techniques. For example, the first two chapters of the book focus on details of Grant’s young life that would interest young readers. The book opens with an exciting description of how an eleven-year-old Grant managed to ride a trick pony and earn the five-dollar prize offered by a traveling circus. After drawing in their readers, the Youngs continue with the story of Grant’s parents and his birth and childhood. A second chapter describes how Cadet Sam Grant coped during his school days at West Point and is a written in a style that appeals to a young audience. The Youngs use easy-to-read language, but they do not simplify history and depict Grant as a complex person. He is a would-be farmer turned general, then president; his wife is from the South while he is from the North, and the conflict between the two regions during the Civil War takes on an intensely personal dimension for the Grants.
After Bob Young’s death on July 6, 1969, Jan Young continued to write and publish books for young readers, such as The Migrant Workers and Cesar Chavez (1972).