Dear Mr. Henshaw

By Beverly Cleary, Paul O. Zelinsky (Illustrator)

Book #1 in the Leigh Botts series

A young boy writes letters to his favorite author, Boyd Henshaw, and learns about the writing process and himself.

5.1/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 42,318 ratings

134 pages· 18,153 words· Est. 2 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

Leigh Botts, a sixth-grader struggling with his parents' divorce and a lunch thief, finds solace in writing to his favorite author, Boyd Henshaw. As Leigh navigates loneliness and anger, Mr. Henshaw's unexpected responses offer guidance and friendship. Will Leigh find the courage to face his challenges and heal? Discover how a simple class assignment transforms into a life-changing journey.

"You know something? I think I feel better when I write in my diary."

— from the book

From the publisher

Dear Mr. Henshaw, I wish somebody would stop stealing the good stuff out of my lunchbag. I guess I wish a lot of other things, too. I wish someday Dad and Bandit would pull up in front in the rig … Dad would yell out of the cab, “Come on, Leigh. Hop in and I’ll give you a lift to school.” 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.

Awards

Newbery Medal (1984)

At a glance

Format
Pages: 134
Words: 18,153
Reading age: 9–12
Audience: Juvenile Reader
Lexile: 910L

Themes & topics

Books about divorce Books about letter writing Books about feelings and emotions Books about school Books about family

For the grown-ups

The parent guide

What families may want to know

Every family reads differently. These are the concepts our editors noticed in this book — worth seeking out for some readers, worth knowing about for others. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a spoiler-light head start.

Serious Subject Matter

This book contains repeated inclusions of Leigh's parents' divorce, and Leigh's thoughts and feelings on the matter.

Alcohol

This book contains one instance where Leigh's mom talks about her past and mentions that "things weren't too happy at home with your grandfather drinking and all . . ."

Language

This book contains one instance where Leigh is upset after calling his father, and he "flopped on the bed and cried and swore."

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.1

out of 7

5.0

“This would be a helpful tale for anyone working through parents' divorcing. The divorce is hard on Leigh, but he's encouraged by mentors to be optimistic, find healthy outlets, and realize he's not the only one with problems. It's a series of letters and journal entries. Short and easy to follow and read.”

The Goodfather

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one