Book

Waiting for Normal

Name: Waiting for Normal
ISBN: 9780060890902

Paperback – Illustrated, January 26, 2010

Leslie Connor

HarperCollins · Paperback · January 26, 2010

Reading lane: Depression & Mental Health

Growing Up Depression & Mental Health Disabilities & Special Needs for Teens young

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At a Glance

Why This Clicks

Hope, Without Easy Answers

A young reader’s longing for normal meets a family life that rarely stays in the middle.

Come here for

A tender story about neglect, hope, and the pull of home
An emotionally resonant look at growing up around a parent’s bipolar disorder

Expect

Painful moments balanced with joy
A protagonist who keeps hoping

Book Details

Authors: Leslie Connor
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: January 26, 2010
Format: Paperback
Theme: Depression & Mental Health · Disabilities & Special Needs for Teens
Reading lane: Depression & Mental Health

Affinity

Depression & Mental Health
84%
Disabilities & Special Needs for Teens
83%
Growing Up
83%

Publisher Categories

Adoption Stories
Stories About Divorce
New Baby Stories
Parent-Child Stories

Show all 8 publisher categories

Sibling Stories
Stepfamily Stories
Friendship
Homelessness & Poverty

About This Book

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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)