Leslie Connor is a celebrated American author, well-known for her work in realistic fiction, young adult, middle grade, romance, and contemporary stories. She has written numerous popular novels, including "Crunch," "Dead On Town Line," "Things You Kiss Goodbye," and "Waiting for Normal." In addition to her novel-length works, Connor has also penned a picture book titled "Miss Bridie Chose a Shovel." Her writings have resonated with readers worldwide, establishing a strong and far-reaching audience.
Born in a small farmhouse near Cleveland, Ohio, Connor's family later moved to Schenectady, New York, when she was in the fourth grade. It was there that she became acquainted with a neighborhood full of children, which no doubt influenced her future writing. Her father worked for a company that produced high-quality printing papers, and she would often find herself captivated by the beautiful books he would bring home, enjoying the photography, illustrations, and the smell of the ink.
Growing up, Connor was active in dancing lessons and gymnastics, often found upside-down in odd places. Her bedroom was a creative sanctuary, filled with various art supplies and projects. She was adept at some subjects in school but struggled with others, yet she managed to discover her passions along the way. Pursuing her interests, she first attended SUNY Cobleskill, where she received an associate's degree in agriculture, and later the University of Connecticut in Storrs, earning a bachelor's degree in fine art.
Initially, Connor was drawn to children's books from an illustrator's perspective, but she found that writing had a surprising allure. She realized that her head and heart were full of stories, and she decided to focus on writing for readers of all ages. Connor presently resides in the Connecticut woods with her husband and three children, where they enjoy feeding the birds, gardening, and stacking firewood. She finds daily inspiration by hiking the nearby trails and spending time with her loyal writing dogs. Her love for artisan pizzas, pots of soup, dark chocolate, and meeting friends for breakfast at the local diner is a testament to the full and enjoyable life she leads.