Dear Mr. Henshaw

Cleary, B. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. New York, NY: Harper Trophy

Leigh Botts is a student assigned to write a letter to an author. He choose Mr. Henshaw because he likes his book Ways to Amuse a Dog. He thinks this will be a short assignment not thinking that Mr. Henshaw will write back or will write anything worthwhile. Unfortunately the author answers Leigh's letter with a series of questions. And Leigh's mother makes him answer them much to the boy's frustration. This begins a mentor relationship that Leigh really needs.  The reader soon discovers that Leigh has a tenuous relationship with his father, is dealing with his parents' divorce, and is struggling fitting in to a new school. Henshaw encourages Leigh to start a diary. This helps the boy get his feelings out. Once he begins to express himself, he begins to find ways to solve his problems. 

This novel is a good choice for boys who think they have to be tough and not express their feelings. It is good for all young students to see that others are dealing with family problems like divorce or feeling abandoned. It lets them know they are not alone. There isn't an exciting climax but it is a nice story showing a young boy growing up and maturing.