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.

COHS teacher discussion: “The Global Achievement Gap”

Although this entry deals with significant ways in which education will change—and thus affect students’ lives—it’s written for teachers. Our principal has asked that we teachers read and discuss this book. (He bought 20 copies, and these can be checked … Continue reading

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COHS teacher discussion: “The Global Achievement Gap”

This is a guest entry from Mrs. Fiandaca. Although this entry deals with significant ways in which education will change—and thus affect students’ lives—it’s written for teachers. Our principal has asked that we teachers read and discuss this book. (He … Continue reading

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Lockdown: Escape from Furnace, Book 1

Lockdown: Escape from Furnace, Book 1 by Alexander Gordon Smith Beneath heaven is hell. Beneath hell is Furnace.   So begins the Escape from Furnace series, now complete at five books. Lockdown is a great ‘guy read,’ full of injustice, … Continue reading

Posted in Family Problems, Fiction, Hi-Low/Quick Read, Human Rights Issues, Read 180, Sci-Fi/Futuristic, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Walking Dead: Coming Soon

  Briefly: You asked for it. We weren’t sure about the novels–reports/reviews are that they are far more graphic than the TV series. Decision: We’ll have the graphic novel series available to you soon.  They are mature, for teens, but … Continue reading

Posted in Fiction, Graphic Novel, Hi-Low/Quick Read, Horror/Mystery/Suspense, Mature Readers | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“The Running Dream”: California Young Reader Medal Nominee

   The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen Jessica, the best sprinter on her high school track team has just broken the league record in the 400-meter, beating her cross-town rival who is narcissistic snot. But the best day of … Continue reading

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

Orca Soundings: “Juice”

Juice by Eric Walters    When Coach Reeves retires and Coach Barnes comes to coach football at Michael ‘Moose’s’ high school, optimism is high. Barnes has coached at Division One Central High and tells his new team that they can … Continue reading

Posted in Controversial Issue/Debate, Fiction, Hi-Low/Quick Read, Read 180, Sports, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Orca Soundings: “Last Ride” and “Back”

Last Ride by Laura Langston Back by Norah McClintock I’m excited about seeing the READ 180 classes again soon, so I want to recommend a few more Orca Soundings books that I’ve read recently. You’re going to love these the … Continue reading

Posted in Family Problems, Fiction, Hi-Low/Quick Read, Read 180, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

COHS teacher discussion: “The Global Achievement Gap”

   Although this entry deals with significant ways in which education will change—and thus affect students’ lives—it’s written for teachers. Our principal has asked that we teachers read and discuss this book. (He bought 20 copies, and these can be … Continue reading

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

Darren Shan Fans: “ZOM-B” is here

ZOM-B by Darren Shan  Darren Shan is popular with kids of all ages. His Cirque du Freak, Demonata and The Saga of Larten Crepsley series have been bestsellers. He’s got a new series. And ZOM-B is the first book. Considering … Continue reading

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

“Daughter of Smoke & Bone” Fans

Look what arrived in both our libraries–book 2: Days of Blood & Starlight Come on over and check it out!

Posted in Fable/Fairy Tale/Fantasy, Fiction, Horror/Mystery/Suspense, Over 375 pages, Romance, Supernatural, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment