Tag Archives: gangs

Cherished Belonging: The Healing Power of Love

Posted on March 24, 2025 by Victoria Waddle

Cherished Belonging is Boyle’s fourth book. Again, he looks at how love (“Cherishing is love fully engaged. Cherishing is tenderness in action.”) is our job, how it is active, and how it resolves troubles. And again, I am amazed at his capacity for cherishing, his ability to walk the walk of genuine Christian calling. Continue reading →

Posted in Biography/Memoir, Faith-Based/Religious Element, Human Rights Issues, Non-fiction | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“Criminal”

Posted on April 8, 2015 by Victoria Waddle

Criminal by Terra Elan McVoy   Nikki is absolutely crazy for her boyfriend Dee. Though he often seems distant, she rationalizes his behavior. After all, among his many tattoos is the one she is can’t help bringing her lips to–N–for … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Problems, Fiction, Mature Readers, Multicultural, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass”

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Victoria Waddle

     Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina You’d think that this was just a titillating title for a silly girl-drama book. But you’d be wrong. Yaqui Delgado wants to Kick Your Ass is a really good … Continue reading →

Posted in Family Problems, Fiction, Multicultural, Read 180, Romance, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

“Picture This”

Posted on November 13, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

    Picture This by Norah McClintock Ethan is living in his second foster home when he is enrolled in Picture This is a program for troubled teens. He’s learning photography skills and he’s good at it—creative and serious. So when … Continue reading →

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

Bullying Books: “The Beckoners”

Posted on October 21, 2013 by Victoria Waddle

The Beckoners by Carrie Mac  Everyone calls April “Dog.”  She’s been bullied all through high school. From being forced to eat a whole box of dog biscuits and retching in the hallway to being beaten within an inch of her … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith-Based/Religious Element, Family Problems, Fiction, Human Rights Issues, Read 180, Young Adult Literature | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Brothers in Arms” The Bluford series

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Victoria Waddle

   Brothers in Arms by Paul Langan and Ben Alirez (Bluford Series) It’s been a while since I’ve commented on a Bluford series book. Brothers in Arms is a good one for students looking for their next quick read. Martin … Continue reading →

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

Adult Books for Teens; “It Calls You Back”

Posted on October 15, 2012 by Victoria Waddle

   It Calls You Back by Luis J. Rodriguez Many students know about Luis J. Rodriguez’s memoir Always Running: La Vida Loca: Gang Days in LA. We have multiple copies in the library as it has remained popular. From my … Continue reading →

Posted in Biography/Memoir, Controversial Issue/Debate, Family Problems, Mature Readers, Non-fiction | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

‘Perfect Chemistry”

Posted on June 9, 2011 by Victoria Waddle

   Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles Perfect Chemistry is neither new nor unknown to students—and even though those are the two reasons I usually review books, I wanted to find out about this novel because it’s wildly popular at Chaffey … Continue reading →

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