Waiting for Normal

Leslie Connor

Mar 2009 · Sold by Harper Collins

About this ebook

School Library Journal Best Book * ALA Notable Children’s Book * New York Public Library’s “One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing” * Chicago Public Library Best of the Best * Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choice * Connecticut Book Award Winner * American Library Association Schneider Family Book Award Winner

This poignant and joyful novel is filled with meaningful moments and emotional resonance.

Addie is waiting for normal. But Addie's mother has an all-or-nothing approach to life: a food fiesta or an empty pantry, her way or no way.

Addie’s mother is bipolar, and she often neglects Addie. All-or-nothing never adds up to normal, and it can't bring Addie home, where she wants to be with her half-sisters and her stepfather. But Addie never stops hoping that one day, maybe, she'll find normal.

“A heroine with spunk and spirit offers an inspiring lesson in perseverance and hope. First-rate.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Ratings and reviews

This is a story about a 12 year old girl who lives in upstate NY and is suffering from dyslexia. To complicate matters further, her mother is neglectful and abusive, and the girl is forced to adopt a tough-beyong-her-years persona and seek help from the community while she waits for a normal family and life.

i am 11 years old and this book really did relate to my life. this book was very touching for me and i loved the drama and twist and turns in this book. this is the kind of books girls my age need and not books that we are forced to read and are to young for us. this was the best book ever thank you for taking your time to write this book leslie conner.

Addie has family problems as well as dyslexia. She relies on humor, creativity and a love of learning to compensate for her dyslexia. The ending is very encouraging.

About the author

Leslie Connor is the author of several award-winning books for children, including two ALA Schneider Family Book Award winners, Waiting for Normal and The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle, which was also selected as a National Book Award finalist. Her other books include All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook, Crunch, and The Things You Kiss Goodbye. She lives in the Connecticut woods with her family and three rescue dogs. You can visit her online at www.leslieconnor.com.