The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

By: Leslie Connor

Narrated by: Andrew Eiden

Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

From the critically acclaimed author of Waiting for Normal and All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook, Leslie Connor, comes a deeply poignant and beautifully crafted story about self-reliance, redemption, and hope.

This middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades five to six, especially during homeschooling. It’s a fun way to keep your child entertained and engaged while not in the classroom.

Mason Buttle is the biggest, sweatiest kid in his grade, and everyone knows he can barely read or write. Mason’s learning disabilities are compounded by grief. Fifteen months ago, Mason’s best friend, Benny Kilmartin, turned up dead in the Buttle family’s orchard. An investigation drags on, and Mason, honest as the day is long, can’t understand why Lieutenant Baird won’t believe the story Mason has told about that day.

Both Mason and his new friend, tiny Calvin Chumsky, are relentlessly bullied by the other boys in their neighborhood, so they create an underground club space for themselves. When Calvin goes missing, Mason finds himself in trouble again. He’s desperate to figure out what happened to Calvin, and eventually, Benny.

But will anyone believe him?

National Book Award Finalist

ALA Schneider Family Book Award

2019 ALSC Notable Children’s Book

Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2018

2019-2020 Nebraska Golden Sower Award

Amazon Best Books of 2018

Kirkus Best of Children's 2018

New York Public Library Best Books 2018

Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Books 2018

2018 Nerdy Book Club Middle Grade Winner

South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominee

2020 Colorado Children's Book Award Nominee

Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year 2019 (9-12)

2020 Grand Canyon Reader Award Nominee

2020-2021 Missouri Association of School Librarians Mark Twain Readers Award Preliminary Nominee

2020-2021 Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee

©2018 Leslie Connor (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Narrator Andrew Eiden's slow pace and soft tone perfectly depict the character of 12-year-old Mason Buttle. The rhythm in Eiden's narration captures Mason's storytelling voice... Listeners will be captivated by Mason's sincerity and gentleness." (AudioFile)

Awesome read

It was a little slow to start, but I’m an adult reader, so it ramped up to a very intriguing story. It’s poignant and interesting for grades 5-7.

Riveting

This story allows us to see how a bully can tear down their targets. It allows us to look into the heart of the bullied kids and feel compassion for them. It's a tear jerker because this is what a multitude of students across the world face on a daily basis. Leslie Connor tells this story with grace. It was an eye opener and I loved it.

Good

I loved it. The only thing that I can say about the book is that it was a very slow and boring start. I feel like only halfway into the book something more interesting and exciting happens. Otherwise, an amazing and anticipation novel.

beautiful

Such a rich, poignant, satisfying slice of life - Mason Buttle is a beautiful mess - authentic, deep funny. A crazy recipe for the best kind of human and story.

Beautiful message!

Mason is such a rich character, and the story is one of truth, encouragement, and re-birth. The syntax is phenomenal, and I feel like this family is a part of my life now. It’s a must read!

One of the best books I ever I listened to

Hi, m name is Aria. I am 6. This is one of my favorite books. Ever. I like the main character and how he stands up for himself and his friend. He is very smart and courageous.

Such a great read!

I loved this story and could hardly put it down. A good book for middle school, but loved it as an adult.

Great story

Mason has a learning difficulty…some peers bully him and some adults do not understand him. Others are bright spots in his life. Mason is a good friend!

The truth as told by mason buttle

It was amazing and very well read and and a very good story and I like how it was told

I love the book it is so much fun it is funny 😍😍

and it was a little bit more longer than thot. I love it🙂😀😃😄😁😆😅😂
it was a great muster.