Tag Archives: child sexual abuse

Uncultured: The Children of God Cult

Posted on April 7, 2025 by Victoria Waddle

Mestyanek Young grew up in the Children of God cult (often referred to as ‘the Family’). Her experience there is horrifying. Her childhood traumas are so numerous, it’s hard to understand how the cult even exists. Why don’t its members run the other way? Continue reading →

Posted in bullying, Faith-Based/Religious Element, Family Problems, Non-fiction | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Banned books and Sold by Patricia McCormick

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Victoria Waddle

I’m discussing the top banned books of the 2023-24 school year over at Be A Cactus. These are the top three: You can look back at the post on Perks and at this one on Alaska if you want to see why I think those books … Continue reading →

Posted in "Banned Book", banned books, bullying, Family Problems, Fiction, Hi-Low/Quick Read, Human Rights Issues, Multicultural | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

“The Last Good Place of Lily Odilon”

Posted on May 5, 2016 by Victoria Waddle

Last Good Place of Lily Odilon by Sara Beitia   Eighteen-year-old Lily Odilon has been in trouble before. When Albert Morales meets her, there are plenty of rumors swirling around her–she had been a party girl, but isn’t anymore; she … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure Stories, Family Problems, Fiction, Horror/Mystery/Suspense, Romance, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Tough Teen Topics: “Such a Pretty Girl”

Posted on November 5, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

Such a Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess    Fifteen-year-old Meredith (“Chirp”) is coming undone because her father, who sexually molested and raped her when she was twelve, is coming home from prison. It’s clear from the outset of Such a Pretty … Continue reading →

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