Dear Mr. Henshaw (1983)

By Beverly Cleary
ISBN 978-0-688-02405-5

Leigh Botts has been author Boyd Henshaw's number one  fan ever since he was in second grade. Now in sixth grade, Leigh lives with

his mother and is the new kid at school. He's lonely, troubled by the absence of his father, a cross-country trucker, and angry because

a mysterious thief steals from his lunchbag. Then Leigh's teacher assigns a letter-writing project. Naturally Leigh chooses to write to

Mr. Henshaw, whose surprising answer changes Leigh's life.

 

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 the improvements we see in his writing.  Children will appreciate the supportive relationship portrayed between student and teacher/adult role model.