Dear Mr. Henshaw
Author: Beverly Clearly
Publisher: Dell/Yearling Book
Copyright: 1983
Pages: 134
Reading Level: 4.7
Genre: Children’s Novel
Rating: ***

Summary:
This books is simply letters from Leigh Botts to his favorite auther, Mr. Henshaw. Leigh starts out with letters about his book “Ways to Amuse a Dog”, and how much he loves it and the reports he is doing on it. Then the letters turn into questions for the author for a project. But not only does Mr. Henshaw answer the questions, but sends a list of his own for Leigh. The book then progresses to Leigh answering the many questions even though he doesn’t want to. After the questions, Leigh reads more books by Mr. Henshaw like he has suggested, and wants to know more about being a writer. Each letter, Mr. Henshaw replies; some are just post cards but he always replies. And from each reply wheter it is a post card or a letter Leigh discovers something about himself. He discovers his mixed feelings for his father who left, he discovers his feels for his mother and how grateful he is for how hard she works. He finally finds a friend. And all this because of Mr. Henshaw’s good example, and his advice to start a journal, and begin writing now if Leigh wanted to be a writer. The message and the tone of the book is so simple, and yet can hit so close to home for so many. Though I have never experienced divorce, many close to me have! It a hard time, especially for a child, and each kid needs to know that he is loved, he has value, and he can become anything he sets his mind to.

Who would benefit from reading this?
Kids who have experienced a divorce by far! Also those who feel like they have no one to talk to would be a good audience as well.

Potential problems/conflicts:
It is all about a boy going through the divorce of his parents. Though the divorce is not talked about a lot directly, it could cause kids in similar situations to ask a lot of unwanted questions. As well as that it could bring up a lot of painful memories for others.

My reaction:
I have heard about this book over and over but I have to admit, I wasn’t as thrilled by it as others seem to be. The book was almost repetitive for me, and lacked detail. But from the perspective of a tween I can see how any child in the same situation could relate and find this book not only enlightening but a load of their shoulder, and that they weren’t alone. So maybe the fact that I have never experienced a divorce has to do with me not loving this book. It is a well written book though, and shows how much impact we can have on others, even those we never meet.