Shelly's Book Blog

Elizabeth Bird, who blogs for School Library Journal, included Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor on her list of books that might be 2009Newbery winners, so I decided to read it. The story is told from the perspective of a 12-year-old girl named Addie, who lives with her mother, Denise, in a small trailer.
Although we are never told directly, it appears that Denise suffers from bipolar disorder. Addie says that with her mother it has to be "all or nothing." Whatever the reason, Denise is a lousy mother, leaving Addie alone for days to fend for herself. Addie seems to be quite the optimist, and she copes with her mother's odd behavior well. Still, throughout this story we see her dealing with more than a 12-year-old should have to face: divorce, theft, and even cancer and death.

Despite the serious issues which challenge Addie, the book is not a downer. On the contrary, I found Addie's cheerful disposition and strength in the face of so much adversity inspiring. This is not a book that everyone will like, but Addie's story may be very appealing and comforting for kids who find themselves in similar circumstances.