Penny's Reviews and Chat

MARVELOUS MIDDLE GRADE MONDAY

Dear Mr. Henshaw

By

Beverly Cleary

I hadn’t read much by Beverly Cleary in a long time. Her classic middle grade novel,“Dear Mr. Henshaw,” came to my attention through reading some reviews. I’m familiar with the “dear diary” story form and this story is one that is well done. 

A young boy, Leigh Botts, starts a correspondence with his favorite author, Boyd Henshaw, in second grade. Now in sixth grade, he’s a new kid in a new school, because his parents have divorced. He continues the letter-writing when his teacher tells them to write to their favorite author and ask them a list of questions.

 
Boyd Henshaw's answers are humorous. Then he asks Leigh to answer his questions. At first Leigh resists, but then he answers Henshaw's questions and also starts writing a diary. 

His continued correspondence with Boyd Henshaw reveals the poignant details in Leigh's life. It shows how his relationship with his mother grows as he matures. And also shows how his relationship with his father changes over time. He sees more clearly why his folks' marriage didn’t work out. He also comes to terms with the losses he’s experienced in his life. Although aimed for boys, it’s written sensitively enough to pull in girl readers, too. Recommended for ages 8-12.

Reviewed by:

Penelope Anne Cole
Award Winning Author of Magical Matthew and Magical Mea 
and Mágico Mateo (Spanish) and Mágica Mea (Spanish)

New:  Magical Mea Goes to School

Tags: 
Beverly Cleary, Dear Mr. Henshaw, Leigh Botts, Boyd Henshaw, parents, changes, divorce, new schools, authors, mother, father.