Dear Mr. Henshaw, by author Beverly Cleary, is a young readers realistic fiction novel that directly addresses the issue of a child who is forced to face the realities of his parents' divorce; probably still somewhat of a taboo theme for a young readers book in 1984.Leigh (pronounced Lee) Botts is a young boy (6th grade) who is in love with writing. He eventually wants to become an author when he grows up. As part of an assignment for school, he writes a letter to one of his favorite authors, Mr. Henshaw. When Mr. Henshaw replies, Leigh unleashes a string of raving and ranting letters back to his favorite author. It is clear from the beginning that Leigh is a very unhappy boy and that writing these letters is a release for his pent up emotions. His letters are often sarcastic, intentionally immature and rude, despite the fact that he's writing to someone whom he admires. It soon comes out that Leigh's parents have recently divorced, and that he has moved to a new house in a new town and is going to a new school. Though you never read what Mr. Henshaw is writing back to Leigh, it is apparent that he is guiding him to write his feelings out on paper, giving him a sense of purpose. As the story continues, Leigh opens up more and more about his true feelings and his letters become more serious, more genuine and yes, much sadder. Leigh is struggling with losing his dad from the divorce, and is contending with feelings of loneliness, anger and grief. Will Mr. Henshaw be able to help the boy?Ok, this book has both some really good and bad points. The good: Dear Mr. Henshaw has a quality theme and takes a serious look at the epidemic sweeping the world that is divorce and its devastating affect on children. Cleary doesn't soften it up, she doesn't sugar coat it, and she faces it head on. In my estimation this was a brave approach for a book written in the early 80's, when discussing divorce with children was still mostly kept hush hush. Her style of writing the story entirely through letters written in the first person by the main protagonist was unique and effective. Wondering what exactly Mr. Henshaw was thinking or writing back to Leigh is what keeps you thinking about it. The bad: Frankly, it's boring. The conflict Leigh is suffering through, although serious and sad, doesn't necessarily make for interesting reading. The story is dry and bereft of a strong plot. As much as I love reading about prepubescent boys discussing their dog and school lunches on end, I couldn't sink my teeth into anything here. And the lame non-ending should leave readers hanging and wondering "OMG, what happens to Leigh?!?!?" except that really you just feel a small sense of relief that you're finished and you don't really give a damn about Leigh and his stupid lunch box. I don't think this would hold the attention of too many young readers, which is symptomatic of mind-numbing children's literature from the not so distant past. It just needs a little something more. I don't know, maybe have Leigh die near the end from some horrific case of carpal tunnel syndrome caused by writing too many freaking letters to some guy who probably wants to blow his brains out every time a new one shows up in his mailbox. Then have him return from the dead as an angry apparition who hunts down all of the adults who made him sad? Boom! I just sold an extra several million copies. Just sayin'.
Dear Mr. Henshaw is Beverly Cleary’s highest award-winner, capturing the Newbery and Christopher Awards in the early 80’s, yet it is one of my least favorites. Written as a series of letters and journal entries, with absolutely no narration, Mrs. Cleary somehow, miraculously, weaves together a plot, a central-California setting and a well-rounded character. This accomplishment is a testament to her craft; the story is emotional and compelling. I simply don’t care for the style.In a departure from her usual optimistic, fun-and-quirky subjects, Mrs. Cleary introduces us to Leigh Botts, a troubled boy who wants to become a writer. Through a series of letters sent to his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw, we catch insights into Leigh’s likes and dislikes, his hopes and insecurities, his absent, immature, truck-driver father, his wonderfully strong and supportive mother, and his loneliness. He quickly catches our hearts and our sympathies.As Leigh’s first letters are rather insulting and demanding (humorous peeks into a child’s mind), Mr. Henshaw encourages him to keep a journal instead. We watch Leigh’s writing abilities grow stronger and stronger. Though Leigh’s never receives the happy turn of fortune he longs for, he learns, he grows, he meets with some success, and he grows stronger. For a child, this is a story of the triumph of the human spirit. For a parent, it is a wake-up call to consider exactly what adult selfishness and irresponsibility can do to the children who depend on us. One not to be taken lightly.Though I much prefer traditional narration, the skill, the message, the powerful emotion of Dear Mr. Henshaw prompts me to recommend it.
What do You think about Dear Mr. Henshaw (2000)?
"Dear Mr Henshaw" is an award-winning (John Newbery Metal) realistic fiction book intended for intermediate readers. It is the story of a boy, Leigh Botts, who writes a series of letters to his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw. Through his letters, Leigh shares his feelings of loneliness and disappointment associated with the absence of his father, who is divorced from his mom and constantly on the road as a trucker. Through his correspondence with Mr. Henshaw, Leigh learns more about himself and comes to terms with his family situation.I gave this book a 4-star rating and found it to be very touching. Through the words and thoughts of this little boy, I was able to catch a glimpse of how difficult it is for children to deal with the fracturing of a family. The author, Beverly Cleary, effectively weaves the realities of struggle with strands of humor to create an interesting and enjoyable story. Her realistic portrayal of Leigh and his parents makes it possible for the reader to identify with each of them and be drawn into their world. I am sure that this book would be very appealing to young readers with its relevant theme and sensitive approach to a very real issue.
—Esther Barajikian
I picked this up in a thrift store thinking that it was another book entirely but when I started it I found that it was charming story told from the point of view of a young man dealing with the fallout of his parent's divorce. The young man is given an assignment in school to write to a favorite author and when the author mails him back a list of questions, he endeavors to answer them in series of letters and then journals as he grows up a bit. Overall it's a great book for children of middle school age and yet there's a story here that adults might find enjoyable as well. At 132 pages with illustrations thrown in as well, its a lightning fast read and well worth the reading time. The author is best known for her Henry Huggins stories but this one is a stand-alone that does a fairly nice job of giving youngsters a picture of what some divorces may be like. Given the number of THOSE in this country, the home of DOMA legislation, it's surprising that more children's books don't deal with this subject.
—Stephen
Dear Leigh Botts,I wasn't sure how to address you. I did the math and you are around the age I should be addressing you as Sir or Mr. However I am also an adult and am not sure if it is acceptable for such titles, adult to adult. Anyway...It was sort of strange reading your diary from all those years ago. I wonder, do you ever re-read those words you scribbled from 6th grade? I know I cringe when I look at my old journals from middle school. I can't blame you if you never think about those old writings.I do have a few questions:1. Did you ever go on to become a writer? (How I pray that you did!)2. Where do you currently reside? (I do hope you made your way out of California. Maybe you've gone to Alaska or Wyoming?)3. How are your parents? I hope them well. (I would like to ask about Bandit, but I fear that he may no longer be with us.)4. What advice do you have for a budding writer? Recently I've been so down on my capabilities (or lack of) and I could use some words of wisdom or encouragement. I just wanted to let you know that I read your words and have been truly moved. I was thinking about your story of the wax man. If I had written the story he would have been turned into a candle and there would be no change of character or moral to the story. Just an upset ending for a harsh world. I need to fix this mindset. Mr. Botts, I do hope you are well. I would love to hear back from you, but I understand that you must hear from adoring fans all the time and I totally understand if you cannot.I am forever changed and grateful.Your #1 fan,Nani
—Nani
