"Waiting for Normal" by Leslie Connor

Waiting for Normal is one of the most normally written books I've ever read. It seems strange to compliment a book for being average, but in reality it makes the book believable and ties everything together. For the book's main character, twelve-year-old Addison Schneeter, nothing that is preciously normal should be taken for granted. After years of living through "all-or-nothing", see-sawing between an empty pantry and Thanksgiving feasts (in July), normal is all Addie wants.

This book is a realistic, heartfelt tale of courage and character, uniquely shown through the day-to-day trials, however odd, of a troubled sixth grader. Addie’s journey from her family of “twists and turns” to the esteemed and long awaited “normal” is not one to be missed. Though written more towards an audience of middle grades, it is a book that any reader can appreciate and learn from.

I originally read this book when it was first published as an advanced copy. Now that I've picked it up again, two years later, I'm remembering why I recommended it so highly in the first place.

“Normal..is when you know what is gonna happen. Not exactly what, because probably nobody gets that. But normal is being able to count on things…just because they belong that way.”

Kerry gives it five out of five carrots!

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