Parents' Guide to

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

By Darienne Stewart, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Riveting, poignant drama explores kindness, friendship.

Book Leslie Connor Coming of Age 2018
The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 10+

Based on 2 parent reviews

mamaladybug
mamaladybug Adult
October 8, 2019
age 8+

Compelling story and characters

We read this book aloud as our "family book" (mama, dad, 2nd and 4th grade boys) and the whole family was captivated. The characters are real and complicated people, and we all felt invested in them. The book has positive messages of empathy and accepting differences, but it isn't patronizing. Content warning: the story deals with the death of a child (not graphically), and bullying.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Aeschad
Aeschad Adult
June 28, 2019
age 12+

Sad book ends on a hopeful note

Summary with spoiler: A boy with learning delays is lonely and bullied. His best friend died recently and as the book progresses, Mason realizes that much of the town believed he was the cause. He makes a new friend and together they build a new hide out away from the bully next door. At the end, it's discovered that the bully purposely damaged the ladder which caused the child (Mason’s friend) to fall from the treehouse and die. Despite all this, the book manages to end on a somewhat hopeful note as Mason's unusual, ragtag family find purpose in revitalizing the orchard on their land. Though graded low reading level, content is mature. Includes the death of a child, same-sex parents, bullying, and swear words. Also, the book is written from the perspective of Mason which takes a while to get used to. I almost didn't finish the book because of it.
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What's the Story?

THE TRUTH AS TOLD BY MASON BUTTLE introduces 12-year-old Mason just over a year after he found his best friend dead in his family's orchard. The police lieutenant suspects Mason hasn't told the whole story, and Mason -- who's huge, sweaty, and barely literate -- spends his lonely days trying to avoid neighborhood bullies. He finds a new friend in Calvin, who also hangs out in the school social worker's office. The two create a hideaway where they can build, create, and feel safe. But all that is threatened when Calvin disappears and Mason finds himself the focus of the police lieutenant's attention -- again.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (3 ):

Leslie Connor has created another unforgettable, unlikely hero in Mason, a large, lonely seventh-grader whose grieving heart aches for just the simplest moments of connection with the people he loves. The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle unfolds in his remarkable voice: straightforward, frank, and full of sweet surprises. Connor (Waiting for Normal) surrounds Mason with well-meaning adults struggling to wade through their own grief and regret. Though he's steeped in loneliness, Mason is an optimist: He takes everyday miseries in stride and seeks out people and places that show him kindness and warmth. Sad but never bleak, the story offers a gentle lesson on what a difference a little kindness and patience can make.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Mason's narration in The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle. Do you enjoy reading stories told in such unique voices? How does this approach shape the way you understand the story?

  • What do you think of how the adults in this story treat Mason and the other children?

  • Do you have a safe refuge of your own?

Book Details

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