Dear Mr. Henshaw

 Cleary, B., & Zelinsky, P. O. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. New York, NY: W. Morrow and Company. 

This delightful tale is about a boy, Leigh Botts, who belongs to divorced parents and is still dealing with not seeing his father anymore. During the story Leigh reads a book, Ways to Amuse a Dog, authored by Mr. Henshaw that he begins writing to the author. Each grade level that he passes he continues to write to the author for class assignments and eventually continues writing as a form of an outlet for his anger. While he continues to write to Mr. Henshaw the author sends him a list of questions to help him learn how to become an author, because Mr. Henshaw said there's a lot of writing involved when your an author. Leigh continues to answer each of Mr. Henshaw's questions which allows him to cope with his parents divorce, moving to a new school, and having no friends either. As the story continues Leigh decides to journal about his days, what he does, and how he feels about the thief who keeps stealing his good lunch snacks. This continued writing allows Leigh to write a short story about driving with his father in his dad's big rig truck, and he gets to meet another famous author who appreciates the cleverness of his story. Read to find out about Leigh's short story and what else takes place.

I liked this book for its style letter/journal writing which really makes it feel more realistic and in the moment. This book touched me in way that made me remember when my parents had separated for a short time, and what it felt like to miss your dad and always wonder when he was going to come back home. I think many young readers in our society can relate to Leigh and what he felt during his parents divorce and that after part.