The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

In the same category as Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus and Wonder. School outcast finds friends and battles bullies. Middle grade readers will most likely love this story. Glancing references to gay couple.

Mason is the tallest, sweatiest kid in his grade. He struggles to read and write because the letters blur and change. Mason feels like trouble is all around him after his best friend Benny dies. Redemption is coming in the form of a new friend Calvin. Question continue coming from Llieutenant Baird. It seems like trouble and hope battle for Mason's future.I love Mason. He is charming, brave and loyal. His voice is the voice of many students. One of my favorite parts of reading this story was watching Mason realize the power of his story. Also, the unrelenting love of Moonie. I highly recommend carving out time to read this new release.

I just finished The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle by Leslie Connor. I also loved Waiting for Normal by Leslie. This book is very special. You meet Mason on the first page, and you're "hooked". Mason is a big boy. He is also dyslexic. Mason is endearing in every way. This is the kind of book that demands to be read aloud. I used Waiting for Normal for years in my read-aloud presentations. The first time I presented it was in Scotia, NY. I was staying at a motel in Schenectady, NY. I realized that I was staying at the approximate site where the book took place!I love books that make us think,feel, and maybe even choke up. Mason will stay with you after you finish the book. I would love to see a sequel already.Thank you Leslie Connor for your brilliant writing, and for your unforgettable characters. I will reread this book a number of times before I dare present it. My friend Barbara O'Conner said it best "Could I love a character more than I love Mason Buttle?" NO!! Teachers, and parents...you must read this book!!

From my 11 year old grandson...”I finished that book you got me I’m kind of upset that I finished it because I still want to read that story it was soooooooo good I loved it so much it was amazing “

This is a heartwarming story for the underdog. As a parent of a dyslexic child that doesn’t always fit in, I appreciate the challenges Mason faces and the friends and inner strength he finds. It is listed as an AR level 2.7 worth 8 points. It is a high interest read for all preteens and teens. Short chapters and low Lexie level make it an easier read for many.

Wow! This book Moved me. I didn't want to put it down; but I didn't want it to end. There were so many characters to love in so many ways, from Mason to Moonie. I figured out pretty quickly what happened to Benny. But, the big reveal was like a good Ron Howard film, where you know the story, but he finds a way to make you FEEL it. I Highly recommend this book! Lovely and original, like "All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook." I think I'll postpone the next book on my stack, and find another by Leslie Connor.

I first picked up a copy of this book last year at a kid lit conference where I heard the author speak, and was so blown away by it I went on Amazon and got several more copies to give as gifts. This is truly one of the best middle-grade novels I've been fortunate enough to read. Mason, the protagonist, has a *lot* going on. Because he's the most incredibly lovable character ever, I was rooting for him so hard I nearly sprained something. It's been over a year since I read the book and I still think of him. And it didn't hurt that one of the supporting characters is a wonderful school counselor. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!

This book had everything for me: voice, heart, suspense, action... as another reviewer said, "I couldn't put it down, but I didn't want it to end." I passed this to a fifth grade teacher and said "Read it aloud before the end of the year: this is a book ALL the kids need to hear before they go to Middle School."

Great book for teens