Dear Mr. Henshaw

Cleary, B. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. NY: Morrow.

Leigh Botts is a second grader whose favorite author is Mr. Henshaw. He was  assigned by his teacher to write to his favorite author, this is where Leigh writes his first  letter to Mr. Henshaw. For the next four years Leigh continues to write to the author. He writes about his parent’s divorce, someone stealing his lunch, his dad’s broken promises, his wish for a pet, a writing contest, and the long hours of waiting while his mom works overtime to make a little extra money. When Mr. Henshaw suggests that he write down his thoughts in a diary, his life is changed. Writing in his diary gives Leigh a way to talk about his anger when his dad forgets to call or finds the courage in talking with the school janitor about how to catch the lunch thief. Writing daily in his diary to record everything that happens turns Leigh from a small boy who is insecure into a young man who comes to accept that life for what it is. 

Textbook Assignment 3:

Dear Mr. Henshaw, by author Beverly Cleary, is a realistic fiction novel about an isolated and lonely boy who is forced to face the harsh realities of his parents' divorce. The main character, Leigh Botts, is one that young readers can relate to since the divorce rate is so high. The book is believable and does reflect the way children think and act when faced with that type of situation in their life. The style the author used of letter/diary format was very unique and entertaining. From his letters and diary entries the reader gets to know everything about Leigh.


This book received the Newbery Medal in 1984 and here is a link to the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuEQKFc6NqQ

Personal Website for Beverly Cleary:
http://www.beverlycleary.com/