Category Archives: Young Adult Literature

“The Running Dream”: California Young Reader Medal Nominee

Posted on March 5, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

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 amputee, California Young Reader Medal nominee, cerebral palsy, disabilities, friendship, running, track and field, YA fiction, YA literature | 2 Comments

Orca Soundings: “Juice”

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

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 football, football in literature, hi-low reading, Orca Soundings Series, reluctant readers, steroids | Leave a comment

Orca Soundings: “Last Ride” and “Back”

Posted on February 22, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

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 hi-low reading, Norah McClintock, Orca Sounding series, reluctant readers | 1 Comment

Darren Shan Fans: “ZOM-B” is here

Posted on February 13, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

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 darren shan, Darren Shan series, hi-low reading, horror, reluctant readers, YA fiction, ZOM-B series, zombie apocalypse, zombies | Leave a comment

“Daughter of Smoke & Bone” Fans

Posted on February 8, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

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 angels, Daughter of Smoke & Bone series, demons, devils, YA fiction, YA literature | Leave a comment

2014 California Young Reader Medal Nominees

Posted on February 7, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

What’s cool about the California Young Reader Medal is that the books are selected by young readers. So, teens select the winner of the young adult category. In order to vote, you have to read all three of the nominated … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Problems, Fiction, Historical Fiction/Historical Element, Mature Readers, Over 375 pages, Romance, Sci-Fi/Futuristic, Young Adult Literature | Tagged awards, California Young Reader Medal, CYRM, France, future dystopia, King Louis Charles, music, musicians in literature, running | Leave a comment

Movie Tie-In: “Beautiful Creatures”

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

Ethan’s family has lived in Gatlin, South Carolina, “the epicenter of the middle of nowhere,” for generations. The town is full of history and superstition, as Ethan believes can only happen in the South. The neighbors are obsessed with … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Problems, Fiction, Horror/Mystery/Suspense, Movie Tie-In, Over 375 pages, Romance, Supernatural, Young Adult Literature | Tagged Gothic romance, movie tie-in, the South, witches, YA fiction, YA literature | 1 Comment

Zoms: “Dust & Decay”

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

Dust & Decay by Jonathan Maberry So, I know this isn’t a real review because it’s a labor of love and I’m a bit overwhelmed (or not feeling the love—or something) BUT— Still the best zombie apocalypse ever! Before … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure Stories, Family Problems, Fiction, Horror/Mystery/Suspense, Over 375 pages, Supernatural, Young Adult Literature | Tagged Benny Imura series, future dystopia, Rot & Ruin series, zombies | Leave a comment

“Wave Warrior”

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

Wave Warrior by Lesley Choyce Another Orca Soundings adventure for teens working on their reading skills. Ben Currie lives in Lawrencetown Beach, Nova Scotia. (For those of us Southern Californians with little knowledge of geography—think far to the east, … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure Stories, Fiction, Hi-Low/Quick Read, Read 180, Sports, Young Adult Literature | Tagged death and dying, friendship, hi-low reading, Read 180, surfers, surfing | Leave a comment

“Riley Park”

Posted on December 13, 2012 by Victoria Waddle

Riley Park by Diane Tullson Here’s another super-quick Orca Soundings novel that I liked: Corbin and his best friend Darius are both attracted to the same girl, Rubee, who works at the local Safeway grocery store as a checker. But … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, Hi-Low/Quick Read, Horror/Mystery/Suspense, Read 180, Young Adult Literature | Tagged friendship, hi-low reading, Orca Soundings Series, Read 180, reluctant readers | Leave a comment