Dear Mr. Henshaw



 
 Cleary, B. (1983) Dear Mr. Henshaw. New York, NY: Scholastic
Leigh Botts loves to read.  His favorite book is called Ways to amuse a dog, by Boyd Henshaw.  Leigh begins to write letters to Mr. Henshaw. At first they’re about telling him how much he likes the book and how he also wants to be a writer.  As Leigh’s life progresses though, the letters turn to more of an outlet for his emotions.  After some tough love, Mr. Henshaw suggests writing a diary.  At first Leigh is hurt, as it just adds to his list of problems.  His absent father, his lack of friends, and a lunch bandit are all things he has to learn to deal with already.  Even so, Leigh starts his diary. As Leigh writes, he works though the issues in his life.    
        Leigh Botts is a character that many people, who might normally be left out, can relate too.  Most stories feature characters with happy families, and friends that they can depend on.  Leigh Botts is there for the rest of the world.  People who grew up in single parent homes can empathize with the struggles he faces in longing for his dad, or missing his mom who has to work all the time.  I myself know how it feels to go to a new school where you don’t know anyone, and go months before you make any real friends. This book is a great read for anyone who’s had these types of feelings, as well as helping other to empathize with children like Leigh.
The entire book is written as if it were a collection of Leigh’s letters to Mr. Henshaw.  Even the diary entries are written to a pretend Mr. Henshaw.  That being the case, the book is written from Leigh’s point of view, as he retells the days events.   Beverly Cleary’s unique writing style for this book really makes it a fun and interesting read. 

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