Dear Mr. Henshaw

By: Beverly Cleary

Narrated by: Pedro Pascal

Newbery Medal Winner * Teachers’ Top 100 Books for Children * ALA Notable Children’s Book

Beverly Cleary’s timeless Newbery Medal-winning book explores difficult topics like divorce, insecurity, and bullying through the thoughts and emotions of a sixth-grade boy as he writes to his favorite author, Boyd Henshaw.

After his parents separate, Leigh Botts moves to a new town with his mother. Struggling to make friends and deal with his anger toward his absent father, Leigh loses himself in a class assignment in which he must write to his favorite author. When Mr. Henshaw responds, the two form an unexpected friendship that will change Leigh’s life forever.

From the beloved author of the Henry Huggins, Ramona Quimby, and Ralph S. Mouse series comes an epistolary novel about how to navigate and heal from life’s growing pains.

Undimmed by 37 years.

I read about the passing of Beverly Cleary yesterday, and I was reminded of this book that was a favorite of mine when I was a child. I remember at the time it felt a little bit like cheating, because the epistolary format lends itself to fast page turning.

Could that nine-year-old boy have imagined this 46-year-old man whose wife died last year, who is now dating a divorcee with a 10-year-old child? Would it surprise him to know that he still relates so keenly to these ordinary feelings of injustice, abandonment, and loneliness that animate these letters?

I remember thinking as a child that at times, Leigh’s growing wisdom was something adults want for kids, rather than something that felt true to the character. I would add that we wish it for the child inside ourselves, because life can be cruel and out of our control. In such times, we remember that child we were, and call upon their resourcefulness.

This story is true and immense, forgiving and small, and completely unforgettable. I was shocked how many things I still remembered, and how many behaviors I have observed in the 10-year-old in my life.

wonderful

I always love Beverly Cleary and this has been one favorite books for most of my life.

the reader wasn't very good

the narrarator stayed the same sitting the books entirety even thought characters grows up a lot in the book. he also made the protagonist seem slow.

Review from a 10 year old

I really enjoyed this book because I’ve always wanted to be an author. I also enjoy I’m using my dog. That is why I liked this book.

Good story

I like last chapter to end of happiness. It makes me to be happy. I definitely recommend to others.