Author Archives: Victoria Waddle

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About Victoria Waddle

Victoria Waddle is a Pushcart Prize-nominated writer and has been included in Best Short Stories from The Saturday Evening Post Great American Fiction Contest. Her books include a collection of feminist short fiction, Acts of Contrition, and a chapbook on grief, The Mortality of Dogs and Humans. Her YA novel about a polygamist cult, Keep Sweet, launches in June 2025. Formerly the managing editor of the journal Inlandia: A Literary Journey and a teacher librarian, she contributes to the Southern California News Group column Literary Journeys. She discusses both writing and library book censorship on her Substack, “Be a Cactus.” Join her there for thoughts on defiant readers and writers as well as for weekly library censorship news.

Dystopian Fiction Flow Chart

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Victoria Waddle

Happy New Year and welcome back to school! This cool “So You Loved The Hunger Games–What Should You Read Next?” flow chart was shared with me–and the link is to the Boston Public library, but they got it from the … Continue reading →

Posted in Classic Fiction, Controversial Issue/Debate, Fable/Fairy Tale/Fantasy, Family Problems, Fiction, Human Rights Issues, Movie Tie-In, Romance, Sci-Fi/Futuristic, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Responsible”

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

Responsible by Darlene Ryan I know everyone is focused on finals and the winter break. Study hard and then then relax with a good book over the holidays!  I’m thinking about the Read 180 classes because they are the first … Continue reading →

Posted in Controversial Issue/Debate, Family Problems, Fiction, Hi-Low/Quick Read, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Waiting for You”

Posted on December 12, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

Waiting for You by Susane Colasanti    Marisa has had the hots for Derek for a long time and she has the opportunity to pounce when he breaks up with his girlfriend—even though he seems to be still connected to … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Problems, Fiction, Romance, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Out”

Posted on December 8, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

Out by Sandra Diersch    Late one night, Alex is about to pull out of a gas station parking lot when he sees shadowy figures across the lot. As he leaves, his car headlights show that the couple in the shadows … Continue reading →

Posted in Controversial Issue/Debate, Faith-Based/Religious Element, Family Problems, Fiction, Hi-Low/Quick Read, Read 180, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Stupid Fast”

Posted on December 6, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach  Felton Reinstein has never had it easy. Only five years old, he was the one who found his father dead, hanging in the garage. His mother decided the best thing to do was to burn … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Problems, Fiction, Sports, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Adult Books for Teens: Common Core: Nonfiction: “David and Goliath”

Posted on December 2, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

   David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell Like just about everyone else who has read Malcolm Gladwell, I’m a fan. But with David and Goliath, I wasn’t as easily swayed by his … Continue reading →

Posted in Non-fiction | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Wonder”

Posted on November 22, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

   Wonder by R. J. Palacio Augustine—Auggie—Pullman has been homeschooled all his life, but for fifth grade, he is going to go to a private middle school. He’s smart enough, but he’s anxious. This will be the first time he’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Problems, Fiction, Hi-Low/Quick Read, Read 180, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

“Reaction”

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

Reaction by Lesley Choyce    Ashley drops the bomb on Zach—she’s pregnant and doesn’t know what to do. At first they try to figure things out together, but their fear and anger cause them to pull apart. Ashley is so … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Problems, Fiction, Hi-Low/Quick Read, Read 180, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Adult Books for Teens: “The Ocean at the End of the Lane”

Posted on November 19, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman “‘Oh monsters are scared,’ said Letty. ‘That’s why they’re monsters. . . .  As for grownups. . . .  I’m going to tell you something important. Grownups don’t look … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Problems, Fiction, Horror/Mystery/Suspense | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

“The Book Thief”

Posted on November 18, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

I’ve got to see the movie–for those of you who haven’t read the book yet, here’s my original review comparing it to The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. The Book Thief is one you need to make time to read. … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Problems, Fiction, Historical Fiction/Historical Element, Human Rights Issues, Movie Tie-In, Over 375 pages, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments