📖 Overview
Leslie Connor is an American author known for writing contemporary middle-grade and young adult novels that explore themes of family, resilience, and personal growth. Her works frequently feature young protagonists dealing with challenging circumstances while maintaining hopeful perspectives.
Connor's most acclaimed book "Waiting for Normal" (2008) won multiple awards including the ALA Schneider Family Book Award. The novel follows twelve-year-old Addie, who lives in a trailer with her unreliable mother while yearning for stability and normalcy in her life.
"The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle" (2018) earned Connor a National Book Award nomination and further established her reputation for creating authentic, neurodivergent characters. This story centers on a learning-disabled boy who becomes a suspect in his best friend's death.
Several of Connor's other notable works include "All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook" (2016), "Crunch" (2010), and "A Home for Goddesses and Dogs" (2020). Her writing consistently addresses complex social issues while remaining accessible to young readers.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise Connor's ability to create complex, realistic characters facing difficult situations with empathy and authenticity. Her middle-grade novels resonate with both young readers and adults.
Readers highlight:
- Natural, believable dialogue
- Nuanced handling of heavy topics like poverty and family struggles
- Character growth and emotional depth
- Hopeful endings without oversimplification
Common criticisms:
- Pacing can be slow, especially in early chapters
- Some plotlines feel unresolved
- Occasional repetitive descriptions
On Goodreads:
Waiting for Normal: 4.1/5 (14k ratings)
The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle: 4.2/5 (11k ratings)
Dead on Town Line: 3.7/5 (400 ratings)
Amazon ratings average 4.5/5 across her works.
Specific reader feedback often mentions crying while reading ("I sobbed through the last chapters" - Goodreads review) and recommending the books to students and children dealing with similar challenges as the characters.
📚 Books by Leslie Connor
Waiting for Normal (2008)
A twelve-year-old girl lives in a trailer with her unreliable mother while trying to find stability and create a normal life for herself.
The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle (2018) A learning-disabled boy faces suspicion from his community after his best friend's death while struggling to make sense of the tragedy.
All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook (2016) An eleven-year-old boy who has grown up in a minimum-security prison with his incarcerated mother must adjust to life on the outside.
Crunch (2010) During a severe fuel shortage, five siblings run their family's bicycle repair shop while their truck-driving parents are stranded far from home.
A Home for Goddesses and Dogs (2020) Following her mother's death, a thirteen-year-old girl moves in with her aunt and adjusts to life with a challenging rescue dog.
Dead on Town Line (2005) A murdered teenage girl observes the impact of her death on her small town while existing in a space between life and death.
The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle (2018) A learning-disabled boy faces suspicion from his community after his best friend's death while struggling to make sense of the tragedy.
All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook (2016) An eleven-year-old boy who has grown up in a minimum-security prison with his incarcerated mother must adjust to life on the outside.
Crunch (2010) During a severe fuel shortage, five siblings run their family's bicycle repair shop while their truck-driving parents are stranded far from home.
A Home for Goddesses and Dogs (2020) Following her mother's death, a thirteen-year-old girl moves in with her aunt and adjusts to life with a challenging rescue dog.
Dead on Town Line (2005) A murdered teenage girl observes the impact of her death on her small town while existing in a space between life and death.
👥 Similar authors
Katherine Applegate writes middle-grade novels featuring young characters facing difficult circumstances while maintaining hope, like in "The One and Only Ivan" and "Wishtree." Her work shares Connor's focus on emotional growth and authentic child perspectives.
Gary D. Schmidt creates stories about young people navigating family challenges and personal hardships, as seen in "Okay for Now" and "The Wednesday Wars." His characters deal with complex social issues while developing resilience, similar to Connor's protagonists.
Sharon Draper writes contemporary novels featuring diverse characters who face obstacles and prejudices, exemplified in "Out of My Mind" and "Blended." Her focus on neurodivergent characters and family dynamics parallels Connor's approach to storytelling.
Linda Mullaly Hunt explores themes of belonging and self-discovery in books like "Fish in a Tree" and "One for the Murphys." Her characters navigate learning differences and unstable family situations, matching Connor's interest in these topics.
Patricia Reilly Giff crafts stories about young people seeking stability and connection, as shown in "Pictures of Hollis Woods" and "Lily's Crossing." Her work addresses foster care, family relationships, and personal growth in ways that align with Connor's narrative focus.
Gary D. Schmidt creates stories about young people navigating family challenges and personal hardships, as seen in "Okay for Now" and "The Wednesday Wars." His characters deal with complex social issues while developing resilience, similar to Connor's protagonists.
Sharon Draper writes contemporary novels featuring diverse characters who face obstacles and prejudices, exemplified in "Out of My Mind" and "Blended." Her focus on neurodivergent characters and family dynamics parallels Connor's approach to storytelling.
Linda Mullaly Hunt explores themes of belonging and self-discovery in books like "Fish in a Tree" and "One for the Murphys." Her characters navigate learning differences and unstable family situations, matching Connor's interest in these topics.
Patricia Reilly Giff crafts stories about young people seeking stability and connection, as shown in "Pictures of Hollis Woods" and "Lily's Crossing." Her work addresses foster care, family relationships, and personal growth in ways that align with Connor's narrative focus.