Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary is lauded for its authentic portrayal of a young boy's emotional journey through family struggles and personal growth. Readers commend its relatable protagonist and engaging diary format. Criticisms include a slow pace for some younger readers. Overall, it's praised for its depth and realistic depiction of childhood challenges.

A reader who enjoys Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary typically appreciates heartfelt, coming-of-age stories about young protagonists navigating personal challenges. Fans of Judy Blume's Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing or Louis Sachar's Holes will find similar themes of growth, resilience, and relatable preteen struggles.

Published in 1983 and winner of the 1984 Newberry Award, Beverly Cleary’s Dear Mr. Henshaw marks a departure for the novelist known for her books that celebrate the whimsy and adventurousness of childhood. Dear Mr. Henshaw is an epistolary novel, in which protagonist and aspiring author Leigh Botts narrates his story through letters and diary entries addressed to his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw. Leigh begins writing yearly letters to Mr. Henshaw in second grade but gradually increases his correspondence as he gets older and experiences the pain of his parents’ divorce, endures bullying at school, and feels a crushing sense of loneliness and abandonment. Through his letters, Leigh not only forges a friendship with Mr. Henshaw but also learns how to hone his writing skills and find the courage to persevere through his struggles. Paul O. Zelinsky illustrated the novel, and the illustrations were never changed in subsequent editions.

Contemplative / Emotional / Melancholic / Inspirational / Heartwarming

- Dear Mr. Henshaw earned Beverly Cleary her first Newbery Medal in 1984, an award given annually by the American Library Association for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
- The book is unique for its epistolary format, as it is written entirely in the form of letters and diary entries by the protagonist, Leigh Botts.
- Beverly Cleary used her experience as a librarian to create authentic and relatable characters, drawing inspiration from real children's letters she read while working at the Yakima, Washington library.

**Leigh Botts**  
Leigh Botts is a young boy who begins writing letters to his favorite author, Boyd Henshaw, in second grade and continues through sixth grade. As he deals with personal challenges, he learns to express his thoughts and feelings through journaling.

**Boyd Henshaw**  
Boyd Henshaw is a children's author who receives letters from Leigh Botts, a young fan. Without directly answering all of Leigh's questions, he plays a pivotal role in encouraging Leigh to write and reflect on his own life.

**Bonnie Botts**  
Bonnie Botts is Leigh's hardworking mother who supports the family after divorcing Leigh's father. She balances work, school, and raising Leigh, embodying the challenges of being a single parent. 

**Bill Botts**  
Bill Botts is Leigh's father, whose passion for trucking leads to his physical and emotional distance from the family. His presence in the story is largely through Leigh's memories and occasional interactions.

**Mr. Fridley**  
Mr. Fridley is the kind and observant school custodian who looks out for students like Leigh. He offers Leigh guidance and support, providing a positive male role model in his life.

Beverly Cleary

Middle grade

Novel

Leigh Botts

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

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Dear Mr. Henshaw

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