Set #3: Dear Mr. Henshaw

Cleary, B. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. New York: William Morrow.

Leigh Botts begins a correspondence with author Mr. Henshaw after an assignment issued in sixth grade.  Leigh asked Mr. Henshaw a list of questions to which Mr. Henshaw replied with his own set of questions.  Through their correspondence over the years, Leigh comes to terms with his relationship with his estranged father. The letter format is a uniquely engage method of drawing the reader into the story. Through Leigh's often surly correspondence we are treated to an authentic experience of a young man's feelings. Setting the novel of a larger time span will allow students to observe Leigh's growth. They will be able to compare and contrast Leigh's tone over the length of the book.