Crazy Lady
by Jane Leslie Conly | Grades 6-8
Crazy Lady! by Jane Leslie Conly tells the story of Vernon, a middle schooler navigating the struggles of adolescence following his mother's death. Living in a run-down Baltimore neighborhood, he befriends Miss Annie, a so-called "crazy lady" known for her eccentric behavior and erratic outbursts. Miss Annie enlists Vernon's help in caring for her developmentally disabled son, Ronald. Through this unlikely friendship, Vernon learns valuable lessons about acceptance, compassion, and the complexities of human nature. The novel beautifully captures the essence of community and the unexpected connections that can transform lives.