Picture a storyteller who spins tales of resilience and heart, capturing the messy beauty of growing up—meet Leslie Connor! This American author has become a beloved voice in middle-grade and young adult fiction, crafting stories that linger like a warm hug. From her National Book Award finalist The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle to the tender Waiting for Normal, Connor’s work resonates with readers who crave authentic, emotional journeys.
Born in a whirlwind on a family room floor near Cleveland, Ohio, Connor’s life began with a story-worthy urgency. Her knack for observing life’s small moments fuels her writing, blending humor, hope, and hard truths into narratives that feel like chats with a wise friend.
The Making of Leslie Connor
Leslie Connor’s childhood was a canvas of creativity. Raised in Schenectady, New York, after a move in fourth grade, she was surrounded by neighborhood kids and her father’s heavy, ink-scented books, which sparked her love for stories. Her bedroom, a “messy nest” of paint sets and sewing projects, hinted at her artistic future. With a fine arts degree from the University of Connecticut, Connor initially aimed for picture book illustration but found her true calling in middle-grade fiction after editors noted her voice suited longer stories. This pivot marked the start of a career that celebrates the resilience of young hearts.
Leslie Connor’s Unforgettable Stories
Connor’s novels are like cozy forts—safe spaces where complex emotions find a home. Waiting for Normal (2008), a Schneider Family Book Award winner, follows Addie, a dyslexic girl navigating neglect with unyielding optimism. Critics praise its “straightforward and sincere” storytelling, a hallmark of Connor’s style. The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle (2018), a National Book Award finalist, introduces Mason, a grieving, bullied boy whose honesty shines through loss. Readers root for him as he uncovers truths in his orchard-filled world.
Anybody Here Seen Frenchie? (2022) showcases Connor’s skill with multiple perspectives, weaving a community’s search for an autistic boy in coastal Maine. Its themes of neurodiversity and friendship earned it a spot in Read to Them’s catalog as a “powerful literary feat.” Connor’s prose, often described as “middle-grade perfection,” balances humor and heartache, tackling tough topics like bullying and economic instability with a child’s lens—life happens to her characters, and they cope with grit and grace.
Why Leslie Connor Matters
Leslie Connor’s impact lies in her ability to craft characters who absorb life’s meanness without losing their spark. Her stories resonate with middle-grade readers, teachers, and parents, offering mirrors for kids facing challenges and windows into diverse experiences. Awards like the ALA Schneider Family Book Award and National Book Award finalist status underscore her influence, but it’s her readers’ love—calling her characters “memorable” and “unforgettable”—that cements her legacy. Connor’s work reminds us that hope can bloom in the toughest moments, making her a vital voice in contemporary children’s literature.
- Born: Near Cleveland, Ohio
- Key Works: Waiting for Normal, The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle, Anybody Here Seen Frenchie?
- Awards: ALA Schneider Family Book Award, National Book Award finalist
- Fun Fact: Connor lives with rescue dogs in Connecticut’s woods!
Snag The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle and dive into Leslie Connor’s heartfelt world of middle-grade magic!