I was disappointed--This is a Beverly Cleary book, and I grew up on the Ramona Series. Maybe I just went into it with irrationally high hopes, thinking it'd be a happy, fun-filled story. Nooope. It's a really boring story, with the main character as a boring ordinary boy. Nothing spectacular happens. He acts younger than his age and the characterization is quite horrible. The plot threads are chaotic and disorganized (What does the lunch have to do with his father? What does any of it have to do with the letter writing?) After the climactic phone call to his father, maybe the one part of the book I thought was emotionally charged and realistic, everything works out WAY TOO NEATLY. And then, the worst thing she could possibly do--she brings his dad back! WHAT?! There was no point to that, none at all. It would have been so much stronger if he hadn't come back and if Leigh had learned to cope. Nothing gets resolved (There are still daddy issues. The lunchbox thief still hasn't been found. And darn it, he STILL hasn't met Boyd Henshaw!) and it's a ridiculously dull book. :(

I cannot think of this book without deep fondness. If you let it, this is one of those books that can change your life. It's honest and innocent all at once, and Cleary does an incredible job of capturing the mood of a boy going through a confusing time of friends and family. His only outlet is a series of letters to his favorite author.

What begins as a school assignment becomes a relationship (even though we are granted only Leigh's perspective) that is personal and makes you appreciate the wonderful people that are out there.

The best thing about this is watching Leigh grow as a character and learn to deal with the ups and downs of his life.

Lee is a lonely little boy dealing with his parents' divorce. He begins a correspondence with his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw. This letter writing helps Lee understand himself better.

I read this to my classes every year when we are learning about letter writing. It is a powerful novel that kids can relate to.

I strongly disliked this book. this probably was one of the worst books I have ever read. The reason I somewhat enjoyed this book was making fun of it in class with my friend. I thought it was stupid and was boring. Don't read this Dear Mr. Henshaw, unless you like to mock of books.

If I had to choose any book from my childhood that encouraged me to read more, it would have to be this book by Beverly Cleary. This book is well written for such a young age group but is still readable for adults, as well. In fact, her book made such an impact on me that this book motivated me to want to be a published author (and I am). I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who was positively impacted by her story.

This book contains a lot of insightful tales that are still very applicable to today's world. Leigh writes to his favorite author to tell him how much he enjoyed his book, he never suspects that he would still be writing to him years later.

~=Gregory M. Kuzma=~
Author, "On the field, from Denver, Colorado...The Blue Knights!"

If I had to choose any book from my childhood that encouraged me to read more, it would have to be this book by Beverly Cleary. This book is well written for such a young age group but is still readable for adults, as well. In fact, her book made such an impact on me that this book motivated me to want to be a published author (and I am). I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who was positively impacted by her story.

This book contains a lot of insightful tales that are still very applicable to today's world. Leigh writes to his favorite author to tell him how much he enjoyed his book, he never suspects that he would still be writing to him years later.

Let me start by stating that im a 24 year old university educated individual.

This book was thrusted into my face and forced into my brain when i was in forth grade. It was by far the most driest and boring book i've ever read at that point in my life...and continue to be so until college. Now, i dont remember anything at all about this book other than the fact it was about some boy writing letters to some man; but the fact that i dont remember anything gives you an idea at how little i stimulted.

Till this day, im reluctant to even bother to re-read this book and give it another chance. I've been scarred for life.

I have no doubt that this books contains a lot of substance and insightful tales, but the thought of reading some poor pathetic boy's letters causes me to shriver.

If i would have to chose any book of my childhood that discouraged me from reading more, it would have to be this. PLease spare your child/student from the tortures of this book. Maybe once they've grown mentally and have the capacity and patience to understand it, it would be a great book. But at such a young age, its a horrible read.

I noticed that this book recieved some high marks from young readers; for some reason i feel that those ratings may be incorrect and the young children's opinions may have been "clouded". Do you teacher's know no shame?

Let me start by stating that im a 24 year old university educated individual.

This book was thrusted into my face and forced into my brain when i was in forth grade. It was by far the most driest and boring book i've ever read at that point in my life...and continue to be so until college. Now, i dont remember anything at all about this book other than the fact it was about some boy writing letters to some man; but the fact that i dont remember anything gives you an idea at how little i stimulted.

Till this day, im reluctant to even bother to re-read this book and give it another chance. I've been scarred for life.

I have no doubt that this books contains a lot of substance and insightful tales, but the thought of reading some poor pathetic boy's letters causes me to shriver.

If i would have to chose any book of my childhood that discouraged me from reading more, it would have to be this. PLease spare your child/student from the tortures of this book. Maybe once they've grown mentally and have the capacity and patience to understand it, it would be a great book. But at such a young age, its a horrible read.

I had read this book years ago and thought it was wonderful, and I finally convinced my son to read it last night. It's not his genre of choice (fantasy/mythology), so he was reluctant--but once he started, he didn't want to stop. I finally made him put it down and go to bed at 11:00, and this morning he picked it up and finished it before breakfast! Granted, it's only 130 pages or so, but still--it was clearly something he could relate to, since he's around the same age and I'm a single mom. When he was younger he read most of Beverly Cleary's other books--Ramona, Ribsy, Ralph--and this one is right there with the Ramona books in terms of capturing the way a child really thinks and infusing it with humor that both adults and children can appreciate (as opposed to some of the potty humor that is appealing to boys but not so much to their mothers!).

I read this book for school and it was great. I wish I could meet Leigh. Kevin Walter Branciforte Age 10

Leigh Botts writes letters to his favorite author, Boyd Henshaw, and eventually starts a diary. Into both the letter and the diary he pours his sorrow and anger over his parents divorce, his lack of friends and problems with the mysterious "lunchbox thief" at school, his dream to become a writer, and the memory of his beloved dog, Bandit, who left with his irresponsible trucker dad. Although the book is a drama, Mrs. Clearly adds humor as well. With very real characters and story, this book won a gold Calacott medal.- Sarah

I thought this book was a great book. I really liked that how the author made the book in Leigh's perspective. Sometimes it is sad but in other ways it is happy. The saddest part is when Leigh's parents get divorced and he feels really bad. The happiest part is when Leigh's dad visits him. I really think you should read this book, especially if you are a third grader, or if you enjoy writing because you get to see how Leigh's writing improves. READ THIS BOOK SOON!!!

Dear Mr. Henshaw is an easy-to-read, realistic story about a young boy who has a passion about reading and writing. The whole book contains letters from Leigh Botts to his favorite author Mr. Henshaw. It also includes diary entries from Leigh explaining how he is feeling and what he is going through as a young child. Throughout the book the reader is able to see how the young boy develops as a writer. The first letter that he writes to Mr. Henshaw is very short and contains spelling and grammatical errors. As you read more into the book, Leigh's letters begin to get longer and his spelling improves greatly. He also adds more details about his experiences and feelings as a young child.
The whole book is from Leigh Bott's point of view. It is very realistic in such a way because the young boy describes his experiences going through elementary school, which is a time that all children get to experience. In the book, Leigh's parents are divorced. He describes his feelings for his dad and explains in his diary how much he wishes his dad would visit him and call him his child. It is also very realistic in a way because Leigh develops so much as a writer just as children are developing writing skills at the elementary stage. His dream is to become an author one day and that is why he keeps in touch with Mr. Henshaw so he can get ideas to make his own book. At the end of the story Leigh Botts writes a story and enters it into the "Young Writers' Yearbook". He ends up getting honorable mention for his work, which encourages him more to become a writer.
The author does a great job of creating a practical and likeable character in Dear Mr. Henshaw. The reader gets to see what a child goes through on a daily basis at school and how a child works hard to accomplish a dream. Children can identify with Leigh Botts because it is such a realistic story. It is a great book for all children to read.

I read this book for a school reading compitition. I thought it would be a good book because I like Beverly Cleary, but it was sad the whole way through the book. I didn't like this book at all!!!

I like this book becouse when the boy gets over the parents getting a devors he was writting to a man and his name was Mr.Henshaw,and he under stands the boy.But some parts are sad and some aren't as sad as others.I like best about the book is when the boy wrights to Mr.Henshaw.What I didn't like about this book is when the boys parents get a devors.I enjoyed this activety becouse I have to write just like the boy does.

IN DEAR MR. HENSHAW, THERE ARE A LOT OF MYSTERIES. EACH PAGE IS A LETTER THAT THE BOY SENDS TO MR. HENSHAW. THE CHARACTERS ARE THE MOM, THE BOY, AND MR. HENSHAW. I THINK IT'S A GOOD BOOK. I WILL READ THIS BOOK AGAIN BECAUSE ALL THE PAGES ARE SHORT.

Leigh really likes Mr. Henshaw's books and wants to be an author too when he grows up. In a lot of the book Leigh feels sad because he doesn't have any friends and his parents are divorced. He's also upset because people keep stealing the good stuff from his lunch. He misses his dad because his dad is a trucker and travels all over the United States and takes Leigh's dog with him. Even though Leigh is sad in a lot of the book I still enjoyed reading it. He feels happy some of the time like when he is writing letters, and there are funny parts too. I recommend reading this book in third grade. I think you will enjoy it too.

This book is not written with chapters like most books. It is written in letters and journal entries instead. Leigh writes about things that happen to him at school and letters to Mr. Henshaw about his life. Another thing that makes this book great and different from other books is how the main character tells the story, not a narrator. In most books it sounds like an adult is telling the story, but in this book it sounds like a child talking.

I've always wanted to read this as a child, but never got the chance to. The title sounded appealing to me as a child and it looked good because it won a Newberry Award. However, I didn't get to read it until I was about 13, and after reading it, it just wasn't that good. If I put on my child-like lens, then yes, I would say it's nice. Unfortunately, my views on the book is altered because I read it as a young adult. I would recommend it to children. It's very simple and not that long, so you might find it enjoyable.

Great book! My 10yr old daughter loved it. Not your typical Beverly Cleary book but worth reading.

I liked this book a lot. I finished reading it yesterday and couldn't put it down. At first when I saw how the entire book was written by letter form I was a bit disappointed. But then as I began reading, I enjoyed it a lot. Toward the end, I got more in suspense on what was going to happen. Like I said, the entire book was well written. Except the ending. It was very short and had an abrupt stop. I didn't enjoy the ending at all. Actually, I wish there was more to it. I understand by what the author was heading for but still I don't think it was a very good ending for such a good book. Overall though: I liked it a lot. I reccommend it!

You'll have to read Dear Mr. Henshaw if you want a great book by Beverly Cleary. The setting of this book is in Pacific Grove, California in the 1960's. The genre of this book is humorous fiction.

The characters who are in this wonderful book are...... Leigh- nice, but would like to see more of his dad, Dad-a great dad but is always away truck driving, Mom-is very careful and caring and finally, Mr.Henshaw, who is a very good author(in the book). This book reminded me of ALL the people in the world who have lost their parents.

This author made me SKIP homework to read it. The characters love each other but they can't get along when they are together. I would give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.I would recommend this book to ages 8-11 who want to know what it feels like to have parents split up. But it's cool because Leigh has somebody to write to and trust. To find out who he writes to you will just have to read this book.

I like this book it talks through letters about a kid's life.I like it because this kid has an idol named Mr.Henshaw.This kid loves this author's books and wants to be just like him his mom doesn't like it that he's asking so many questions.His dad only rides his truck and hauls stuff.Dad gets divorced with the mom but the dad keep the boy's favorite dog named Bandit.If I had to give this book a 1-10 I would give it 10.

This painfully touching and exquisitely crafted novel has a crediable sense of place and mood. It has a unique and moving style with a child's perspective of the world.

This book called Dear Mr.Henshaw was a very intresting book.My favorite part of this book was when Leigh was writing about how he wanted to be a famous author.The saddest part of this was when Leigh heard that his dad was with another family on the phone and then hung up on him.I didnt like the part when in the book instead of reaglur writing he put in diary entries.If you read this book it will be a very intrestsing book to read.
By Julio Vargas

This book Dear Mr Henshaw is a great book because it is so interesting.The characters are Leigh Botts,Barry and Leigh's mom and dad.This book is so interesting because Leigh is a good writer so he signs up for a writing contest and if you win first, second, third or fourth place you get to meet a famous author. Leigh ends up getting a different place and was a little sad. As he says "you win some you lose some". Then he finds out that the author he wanted, which was Mr Henshaw, was not the famous author, it was Angela Badger so he was kinda happy. Leigh Botts is an optimist and thats whats great about him. I would reccomend this book to my school because it is so wonderful. I love this book so much I would read it over and over again.

My favorite part is when leigh write to mr.henshaw. The part I didn't like is when he lose. the main charcater are barry, leigh,mr.henshaw,and leigh mom. the main setting are school,leighhouse,outside.This book is a geat book because I give it 5star. If I had to tell a friend about this book I will tell them to read it because it is a great book.

The story dear mr henshaw was a great book. The main charter is leigh botts. He is a very optimistic person. He never look on the bad side of the situation. Then he had to write a story for a contest. He didnt win, but he got honable mention. That was good for him. Then the judes founed that one of the winners had cheated. So he had the chance to go. He had aceeped. Then he got to meet the auther. That was the best time for him ever.

The book dear Mr.Henshaw was a good book because. It was about a boy named Leigh Botte. That wants to be a famus author.He write to Mr.Henshaw all the time.He even enterd a contest .You have to write a story and if you win you get to go to lunch with a famus author.But he didnt win but he still got to go to lunch with the famus author. The sad thing about the story is.That he does not see his fother alot.Because leighs mom divorce leighs dad this book was a very good book.

My favorite part in dear mr.henshaw is when write so he can get a prize so he can see mr.henshaw.But when look to see if he wins frist,second,or third but he didn't win any prize.Sometimes Leigh invides his friend Barry over to his house.And when they had found out Angela Badger cheated about her writing because she wented to win the contest.If I could tell anybody about this book I would tell them this is a graet story.This is a graet review and that is why I give it 5stars.

I did not like this book cause it was very boring.The book did not make any sense to me.It was a litle good at the end cause Angela Badger told Leigh it is not easy to write stories.That is what I think about this story.

THIS BOOK IS A VEREY NICE BOOK BECAUSE THE BOY WHO WRITES TO MR. HENSHAW IOVE TO WRITE. MY FAVORITE PART IS WHEN HE GOT HONORABLE MENCHION AND WHEN HE GOT TO SEE A FAMOUS ARTHOR. I DONT LIKE WHEN HE DID NOT TALK TO THE ARTHOR A IOT. HE HAVE A FRIEND THAT HAIP'S HIM A IOT.HIS DAD NEVRE SEE HIM.



BY NATHAN CRUZ

Dear MR. HENSHAW is great book.I enjoyed it a lot.My favorite part was when he did not give up because he got honorable mention.My least favorite part was when he did not win.But here's a lesson for you even though you do not win you should not give up.I think thats what the lesson dear mr. henshaw is trying to tell you. by jasmine

Dear Mr.Henshaw was about a boy named Leigh.He constantly writes to an author. Leigh finds insterest in him. Leigh had went into a contest for writing. Leigh didn't win but he got honorable mention.He was kinda mad though. well the contest was for everybody but the girls were excited because they were going to meet Angela Badger.One of the girls had cheated so the libarian had picked Leigh to go in her place.He wasnt happy because she only writes about girls. During the time the girls were chattering to Angela.For some reason she ask leigh if he wrote the day on dads rig he say yes.She had said that he is a good Author.Liegh could not stop thinking about it.I like the part when leigh had won hornable mention because I did too in a contest at my school.I didnt like the part when he was acting shy. by Seshauna Rubie.

I give dear Mr. Henshaw 4 stars.I give it 4 because it is very interesting.The main charecters are :Mr henshaw ,Leight Botts and leighs friend Barry.My favorite charecter is Leigh because he is very funny.My favorite part is when barrys sisters keep opening his where lafing at his alarm.



BY
Michael Javier

What I thought was interesting about Dear Mr.Henshaw was that leigh Botts went through all this writing of stories just to meet an author that is famous.The main characters in this book are leigh Botts,Angela Badger,the three kids,and Mr.Henshaw.What I liked about the book was that leigh was happy that Angela Badger had called him a good author and I also liked that he wrote a letter to Mr.Henshaw telling how he was called a author by Mrs.Badger.What I didn't like about the book that the girl had wrote and copied a poem out of a book and didn't write a true story of her own and I also didn't like that leigh didn't win first place because his story was the best.If I could give this book 1-5 stars I would give it 5 stars and a thumbs up.

This is a revaue of dear. Mr. Henshalw.Atleste a part of it enyway.I liked it beacause of Liegh.You should read it sometime .I dont like the copeyrs in the book they copyed a diff-rent poem insted of there own.Dosent make sence dos it.I gave it 3stars beacause it wasent super good gust reguler good.Not very interesting is it.the end BY J-E-R-E-M-Y

Other reviews have already spoken of what a terrific author Cleary is and how this story does not disappoint. I fully agree. But I'd like to add that this story was perfect to encourage my sons, one who is just a year younger than Leigh Botts, to do more writing of their own.

We listened to this story on audiobook while traveling in the car. I didn't say anything about it, just popped in the cassette, and before long my children were hooked. They didn't want to leave the car when we got home as the tape wasn't yet finished.

My sons are reluctant writers. They have tended to think of writing and journal/diaries as being a girls' domain. So, imagine my pleasure to hear such a compelling story about a boy who aspires to be a writer and carries on a correspondence with his favorite author(some of the "correspondence" are actually journal entries with the header "Dear Mr. Henshaw.")

This was a shot in the arm for my boys to see how writing out their thoughts can give clarity to their thinking and in no way diminishes their masculinity(!) My 8 year old didn't balk today when I had him write a letter to practice the correct format. In fact, he wrote two interesting notes addressed to his Dad. Thank you, Mrs. Cleary.

Have you ever read a book that you think you don't like, but then it turns out to be really good? I have! It is called Dear Mr. Henshaw. The author of this book is Beverly Cleary. This book has won many awards but here are two, the ALA Booklist and the Newbery Medal. Three other books she has written are Ribsy, Strider, and Mouse and the Motorcycle. Dear Mr. Henshaw's genre is fiction. It is 133 pages of pure gold. There are only a few pictures but they are very good. The illustrator is Paul O Zelinsky.
In Dear Mr. Henshaw, Leigh wants to become a famous author. In the beginning, his parents get a divorce. A couple years later, Leigh has a school project on a famous author. He chooses Mr. Henshaw. Leigh writes a letter to him and gets a response, but it's a little too late. Then Mr. Henshaw twists things a little by making Leigh answer his questions, this went on through sixth grade. Leigh then has a problem with his lunch because some one keeps stealing the good stuff out of it. Eventually after some thinking he gets a clever idea to make a burglar alarm for his lunch box. A few days later his dad loses Leigh's best friend, his dog Bandit, and worst of all Leigh's dad doesn't even look for him. Leigh's class has another project, but this time they write their own story. It turned out pretty good because he got to go to lunch with the famous author. A couple of days later, Leigh's dad brings Bandit home, but Leigh won't accept him because he knows his dad needs Bandit more than him. Leigh's dad apologizes and then is on his way again, as it turns out Leigh and Mr. Henshaw have something in common.
This book was very enjoyable, especially the descriptive writing. There was one part where Leigh went for a walk and went into a store that had butterflies in it. I could visualize all the butterflies on one tree flapping their wings back and fourth. I also saw when Leigh was putting the burglar alarm together with all the wires. It was really cool how he made it right at home! The last thing I visualized was because I've done it was Leigh and his mom eating in the car.
Leigh was the main character and he had many emotions that I could connect to. One part was where Leigh's dad promised he would call, but he didn't. He was also very anxious when he was going to meet the famous author for lunch. Leigh was very mad when his dad lost Bandit, and the lunch thief for taking the good stuff out of his lunch. I have felt those emotions at many times in my life before, so I could relate to him.
This book was very good. I laughed a lot in it, it was so funny. I also enjoyed this book because it was a little sad at certain points. I really liked the way the author wrote the book in diary and letter form. I recommend this book for children. I don't think adults would enjoy this book as much as children because it doesn't have any adult content. It has many vivid words which makes it very descriptive. In the end Leigh and Mr. Henshaw find something that they've had in common all along.

This book uses an amusing device, acting as a compilation of a series of letters written by fourth-grader Leigh Botts to his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw. As we read the letters, we learn about Leigh and his sometimes-difficult life living with his single mother and thinking about his mostly-absent truckdriver father. Leigh wants to be an author, and works at writing on the advice of Mr. Henshaw. While we never see Mr. Henshaw's letters, we get a good feel for what they contain, based on Leigh's responses. The writing is light enough to make the sometimes troubling details easy to deal with. This is a good book for any child who has expressed an interest in writing as a profession, and it is also a good introduction to more serious writing.

When I first read "Dear Mr. Henshaw" I thought it was a weird book, Because it is like a diary but like a original book at the same time. It was verry easy to get my attintion with the comical and suspence humor. It also drew me in because liegh botts's life is kind of like mine.
I thought it was comical in the begining when he was spelling words wrong, and was anoyed at the dumbest things. The part that was suspenceful was threw the whole book when he never new when his dad was going to call or when he was going to show up,kind of like my dad. When he got anoyed at the pinging noise from the gastation and when Mr.Henshaw did not be realistic when answering leigh's questions.
His social life is like mine,because he dosent really have many friends and people still his lunch. He is verry bright and creative like when he wants to make a lunch bag alarm. I love to think of a problem and think of an invintion to help it. When his dad dosent call or vist him he dosent get mad at his dad he kind of blams himself.
His made is cool, she spoils him like a grandparent, she gives him verry good food. She is there like a friend and like a mom but dosent ground him. He is home by himself a lot because his mom works a lot. This is what I think.
-chris manker.

Dear Mr. Henshaw is a touching story, kind of a "coming-of-age" tale for an elementary school child. But instead of seeing this tale through a typical narrative, we see this character's growth through letters that he writes to his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw.

Cleary does a wonderful job demonstrating that growth, through decisions he makes and, most impressively, small, barely perceptible improvements in his writing.

I was quite surprised when Leigh expressed anger first at Mr. Henshaw for being late in answering the ten questions he sent him, and second for Mr. Henshaw asking Leigh to answer ten questions about himself. Leigh went from "Your friend", "Your Best Reader", to "Your Disgusted Reader".

One of the things that Mr. Henshaw suggested was that Leigh keep a journal. Leigh did so, and that's where we see the most tremendous growth of his character, as he talks about his feelings about his mom, his dad, and himself.

It's a wonderful book for kids, but also a terrific read for adults. Beverly Cleary never disappoints.

I hate reading absolutely hate it!!!!! But since I have to read 25 books for school each year there's books that I'll take the chater summaries from sparknotes.com and say I read or I 'll acutally reada book .In Dear Mr Henshaw's case I read it . It is so clever beacuse you could actually seee yourself doing something like this and the realism you just fall in the love with characters

Carole Seneker
Dear Mr. Henshaw
Author: Beverly Cleary and Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky
Dear Mr. Henshaw is a compelling story about a young boy, written in the style of letters and diary entries. The style and point-of-view are intertwined in this work of art. Cleary has written this book as a young school boy named Leigh Botts. Dear Mr. Henshaw tells the story of Leigh Botts as the book cleverly weaves three plots throughout the book. Leigh's parents are divorced and he spends his life longing for his dad, a truck driver, to come and visit. As the story unfolds, Bandit, the family dog turns up missing from his dad's truck. Leigh struggles with feelings of anger and rage at the unknown person who steals from his lunch bag at school.
Mr. Henshaw of Dear Mr. Henshaw is a well known author of children's books whom Leigh has been writing to since 2nd grade. The setting for most of the book takes place in a new school and a different town when Leigh is in 6th grade. Due to an assignment his teacher made, Leigh wrote to Mr. Henshaw for help. The busy author suggested to Leigh that he should write in a diary after several letters.
Cleary cleverly brings the little boy character of Leigh to life using a juvenile style and word usage for the letters and diary entries. A gradual change in writing ability and maturity level is revealed as the book progresses from grades 2 through 6th. The illustrations by Zelinsky add to the visual enjoyment of the book with pictures of the 18-wheeler Leigh's dad drives, the school cafeteria, and the dog Bandit, to name a few.
The major theme appeals to children of a one-parent family whether through divorce or an out-of-wedlock situation. Dear Mr. Henshaw is an uplifting story of a desperately, unhappy little boy who does a lot of growing up while learning to accept his life and even to be happy. This book would also be appealing to children of two-parent families, if, for no other reason then the staggering 50-60% divorce rate prevalent in today's society. This book will help a lot of children and has more than earned The Newbery Award.

Dear Mr. Henshaw is the story of a young boy named Leigh Botts whose parents have recently divorced. Leigh writes his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw, for advice and guidance. Leigh experiences many different emotions while dealing with all of life's changes. He not only moves to a new school, but soon finds that someone is also stealing his lunch everyday. Through a series of letters and journal entries written to Dear Mr. Henshaw, Leigh comes to terms with his parents' divorce and the way it has changed his life.
I think this book is great, especially for those children who also find themselves having to deal with similar changes in their lives such as their own parents' divorce. I think it sends a good message to these children; that message is to stay strong when coping with hard dealings in life because things always seem to get better. A great example in the story is seeing all of the bad things that seem to happen in Leigh's life, such as his parents' divorce, his stolen lunch, and his lost dog, but towards the end of the story things slowly begin to get better when his father arrives at his house with his dog and he finds new friends at his school who enjoy the same hobbies as he does.

Dear Mr. Henshaw is an interesting and creative Newbery Medal book by Beverly Cleary. Cleary writes about a ten-year-old boy named Leigh. Leigh and his mother have just moved into a new town and he has still not made any friends. He writes letters to his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw. Mr. Henshaw persuades Leigh to write in a journal. In his journal, Leigh writes about his parents' divorce, his new school, and his relationship with his father.
Leigh must deal with the problems before him. He must figure out a way to stop the lunch bag thief, how to make friends, how to deal with his parents' divorce, and how to have a better relationship with his father. Many young readers can identify with Leigh's problems because children have common hopes and fears.

I like the book it was a good book if i had that book. I would read it over again. I love this book.

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It was not outstanding that's would I thing but I like went hie pout his alarm in his lunch pail that was fun

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when the boy steals lunch box form a kid every day will get you in to big trouble.

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I like dear Mr.henshaw because it is about a family that goes through probiems and I will recommend this book to anyone.

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I like the phrase merry Christmas and hohoho i like it when Mr. Henshaw said ha ha the end. it was good.

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I like it but i like Esperanza rising better . I didn't like it because it remind me of my father.he left me.

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This book was so so . It had no exciting action. On the other hand it had good chareters.It was rather boring.

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I think this book is good bcause this character name Leigh Botts wanted to be an author so he can be meet one of the authors that he wanted to see. Then he put a alarm in his lunchbox so peoples cant steal his lunch from his lunchbox.

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Leigh bott is a boy that similar to me. my dad was not around.

In the Newbery Medal book, Dear Mr. Henshaw, the author captures the reader by dealing with a real life issue, divorce. Leigh Botts is having a hard time dealing with the divorce of his parents and the problems at school only add to the turmoil in Leigh's life. The fact that his father has possibly begun a new life does not help the situation either. He confides in his favorite author who not only helps him deal with his personal situation, but also gives him advice on how to improve his writing skills. This story portrays the emotions of a person who is dealing with the divorce of his parents. Young readers will enjoy the writing syle of this book and empathize with Leigh Botts as he deals with the divorce of his parents.

I am a student at West Virginia State University, and read this book for my Children's Literature class. Our assignment was to select a Newbery winner and report on it. When I selected this book I wasn't aware it was going to have such an affect on me. I am from a divorced family and if I would have had something like this to read when I was younger I may have learned ways to cope with what I was going through. I recommend this book to all children whether their parents are divorced or not. This book will also prepare them with what is going on in others lives. Sometimes children aren't as considerate with their peers as they should be. I enjoyed this book, and I know you will too!

I am a student at West Virginia State University, and read this book for my Children's Literature class. Our assignment was to select a Newbery winner and report on it. When I selected this book I wasn't aware it was going to have such an affect on me. I am from a divorced family and if I would have had something like this to read when I was younger I may have learned ways to cope with what I was going through. I recommend this book to all children whether their parents are divorced or not. This book will also prepare them with what is going on in others lives. Sometimes children aren't as considerate with their peers as they should be. I enjoyed this book, and I know you will too!
In this book, Leigh Botts, writes to an author to help cope with his parents divorce and help him get over going to a new school. He relies on the author to help him overcome his fear of writing. He dreams of becoming an author as great as Mr. Henshaw. Leigh realizes he has to be himself in order to be effective.

Wow, what a great book for fifth Graders! The book "Dear Mr. Henshaw" by Beverly Cleary is about a boy named Leigh Botts. Leigh moves to a new town with his mother. His parents are divorced and he is lonely. Leigh writes a letter to his favorite author Mr. Henshaw. He askes Mr. Henshaw lots of questions and Mr. Henshaw writes him back. Leigh begins to write to Mr. Henshaw all of the time because it helps him figure out his own feelings. He becomes a better writer for this. Leigh enters a writing contest and the winner gets to meet a famous writer. Do you think he will win the contest? Do you think that famous writer could be Mr. Henshaw? Do you think that Leigh will make new friends at his new school? Will Leigh's parents get back together? All of these questions can be answered by reading this great book.