Synopses & Reviews
In this uplifting companion to
Prairie Evers, shy, introverted Ivy must find her footing when her reckless mom turns her world upside down.
Ivy has loved living with her best friend, Prairie, and being part of Prairies lively, happy family. But now Ivys mom has decided to take her back. Ivy tries to pretend everything is fine, but her moms neglect and embarrassing public tantrums often make Ivy feel ashamed and alone. Fortunately, Ivy is able to find solace in art, in movies, and from the pleasure she finds in observing and appreciating lifes small, beautiful moments. And when things with her mom reach the tipping point, this ability gives her the strength and power to push on and shape her own future.
Review
*“This book persuades that good people and delighful possibilities are all around, even in the most unpromising circumstances.” KLIATT
Review
“A heroine with spunk and spirit offers an inspiring lesson in perseverance and hope. First-rate.” Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Review
“A story centered around loss, heartbreak, abandonment, and new beginnings.” School Library Journal (starred review)
Review
“Connor convincingly portrays Addies beyond-her-years resourcefulness and the opposing feelings that drive her to protect the life she has while longing to be a permanent part of the ‘normal home her sisters occupy with her stepfather.” The Horn Book
Review
“[Leslie] Connor treats the subject of child neglect with honesty and grace in this poignant story. Characters as persuasively optimistic as Addie are rare, and readers will gravitate to her.” Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Synopsis
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)
Synopsis
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. All-or-nothing never adds up to normal, and it can't bring Addie all to home, where she wants to be with her half sisters. But Addie never stops hoping that one day, maybe, she'll find normal.
About the Author
Leslie Connor has her own memories of the energy crunch of the seventies, and she got to thinking: What comes after the long lines at the pumps? What if the earth's supply of gasoline were to finally run out? She tried to imagine what it would look like: "I saw bicycles. And I saw them taking to the highways. I also saw a changing value of goods and services. Then Dewey showed up on my shoulder to tell the story of these kids home alone, trying to keep up with operating a busy bike-repair shop and coping with the unfamiliar condition of suddenly having something everybody else wants." Leslie is the author of many award-winning books for children, including Waiting for Normal, winner of the ALA Schneider Family Book Award, Miss Bridie Chose a Shovel, and Dead on Town Line, a young-adult novel in verse. She lives with her family in Connecticut.