Dear Mr. Henshaw

Title: Dear Mr. Henshaw
Author: Beverly Cleary
Illustrator: Paul O. Zelinsky
Publisher: Morrow Junior Books
Publication Date: 1983
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Audience: Gr. 3-5
Awards: John Newberry Medal
Overview: Dear Mr. Henshaw is a chapter book that is about a young boy who starts writing letters to his favorite author asking for advice about writing of his own and his relationship with his parents. The author responds by telling Leigh, the main character, to start writing in a journal to get all of his thoughts on paper and to practice his writing, instead of continuing to write to the author. The plot includes the troubles with his father and how he feels about the lack of his presence in his life. By keeping a journal, Leigh is able to think out his problems and discover ways to solve his problems.
Activity: This book is great to do shared reading activities with over an extended period of time. There are many spots in the story to stop and ask students questions about what the author means and how they would respond if they were in the same situation. Students can learn a lot about the father's profession, cross-country trucking, as well.
Reviewer's Name: Moira Schafle