Tag Archives: book reviews

Adult Books for Teens: “The Harder They Come”

Posted on June 14, 2015 by Victoria Waddle

The Harder They Come by T. C. Boyle    A cruise to Central America and a stop in Costa Rica sound like a vacation dream for a middle class retired couple. After all, Costa Rica is supposed to be a … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure Stories, Controversial Issue/Debate, Environmental Issues, Family Problems, Fiction, Human Rights Issues, Mature Readers, Over 375 pages | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Not a Drop to Drink”

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Victoria Waddle

Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis   “Lynn was nine the first time she killed to defend the pond.” Those are the first words of Not a Drop to Drink, and they start you on a reading session … Continue reading →

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Adult Books for Teens: “A Place at the Table”

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Victoria Waddle

A Place at the Table by Susan Rebecca White   This tale of disparate people coming together to grant one another a bit of peace, the opportunity to find their places at the table, begins with brother and sister James … Continue reading →

Posted in bullying, Faith-Based/Religious Element, Family Problems, Fiction, Historical Fiction/Historical Element, Multicultural | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Common Core: Nonfiction: “A Curious Mind”

Posted on May 24, 2015 by Victoria Waddle

A Curious Mind: the Secret to a Bigger Life by Brian Grazer and Charles Fishman Brian Grazer is the producer of many well-known films (A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13, Grinch, Splash) and  some TV series (24 is the best known). … Continue reading →

Posted in Biography/Memoir, Non-fiction | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Adult Books for Teens: “Motherless Child”

Posted on May 24, 2015 by Victoria Waddle

   Motherless Child by Glen Hirshberg Bad girl Natalie doesn’t immediately realize that her wild night with pop singer The Whistler and best friend Sophie has done her damage forever . That’s really forever rather than a lifetime; she has … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure Stories, Family Problems, Fiction, Horror/Mystery/Suspense | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Common Core: Nonfiction: “The Age of Acquiescence”

Posted on May 24, 2015 by Victoria Waddle

Age of Acquiescence: The Life and Death of American Resistance to Organized Wealth and Power by Steve Fraser    I picked up Age of Acquiescence because it was recommended as a companion work to Capital in the 21st Century.  Age of Acquiescence … Continue reading →

Posted in Controversial Issue/Debate, Historical Fiction/Historical Element, Human Rights Issues, Non-fiction, Over 375 pages | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Blackbird”

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Victoria Waddle

     Blackbird by Anna Carey OK, yes, you have read this sort of story before, and you‘ve seen it in movies. Someone with amnesia wakes up. Without a memory, that person has to piece his or her life together … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure Stories, Hi-Low/Quick Read, Horror/Mystery/Suspense, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Ball Don’t Lie”

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Victoria Waddle

Ball Don’t Lie by Matt de la Pena    “Real life always comes whipping back around at you like a boomerang. But right now there’s one last game to play. And Stickey’s right here. In the zone. Flowing. Every shot … Continue reading →

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

Quick Reads: “Marty’s Diary”

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Victoria Waddle

Marty’s Diary by Frances Cross Marty’s parents are divorced from one another and both are remarried. Although Marty’s mom has moved to Mexico City and had a new baby boy, Marty is not angry at her. She feels that her … Continue reading →

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

“Send”

Posted on April 29, 2015 by Victoria Waddle

Send by Patty Blount   “A punch to the jaw wasn’t how I imagined starting my first day at another new school, but fate had a warped sense of humor.” So begins Send, with Daniel (and/or Ken) making the decision … Continue reading →

Posted in bullying, Controversial Issue/Debate, Family Problems, Fiction, Human Rights Issues, Romance, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment