Dear Mr. Henshaw (original 1983; edition 1998)

Newbery Winner, 1984 Leigh's parents are divorced. A lot of the novel is spent in Leigh's internal struggle to understand his father and his inconsistent involvement in his life. (As well as Leigh's quest to solve a lunch box thieving mystery). The fact that this story deals with some heavy issues is tempered by the humor Cleary brings to the story.

Old Children's Book. Liked it as a kid, but haven't read it in years. ( )

Clearly Beverly Cleary 2012, Book 2. ( )

Leigh Botts has been author Boyd Henshaw's number one fan ever since he was in second grade. Now in sixth grade, Leigh lives with his mother and is the new kid at school. He's lonely, troubled by the absence of his father, a cross-country trucker, and angry because a mysterious thief steals from his lunchbag. Then Leigh's teacher assigns a letter-writing project. Naturally Leigh chooses to write to Mr. Henshaw, whose surprising answer changes Leigh's life. This book could be used in the upper elementary grades. During or after reading this book you could talk about writing in a journal or writing letters to someone you care about your look up to. You could talk about role models and family as well. Have the students write a letter just like Leigh Botts did throughout the book.

Leigh starts writing to his favorite author Mr. Henshaw, and he finds that he likes writing to him on a regular basis. Within his writing he finds a friend in Mr. Henshaw and feels comfortable telling him anything.