Dear+Mr.+Henshaw



Author: Beverly Cleary Age range: 9 - 12 Years Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Illustrated: Paul O. Zelinsky Publication date: 5/28/2000 Pages: 160 ISBN-13: 9780380709588

Beverly Cleary was born in McMinnville, Oregon. She is well known for her character Ramona Quimby, and gears her writing towards young adults. She is one of the rare authors who can attract both boys and girls. She is very well known and is the author of Dear Mr. Henshaw, which won a Newbery in 1984.
 * Author Biography:**

"Dear Mr. Henshaw,” is about a boy named Leigh Botts who is have trouble with his parents divorce. He has been a fan of the author Boyd Henshaw since he was in second grade. now that he is in sixth grade and lives with his mom and is the new kid in school. His teacher assigns a letter-writing project. Therefore, he writes to his favorite author and tells him all of his problems especially about coping with his parents divorce and being the new kid in school. The author responds to Leigh and changes his life.
 * Summary**:

“Dear Mr. Henshaw,” is a great book for students to read. The story shows a boy struggling and how reaching out to someone helps. This book helps students to learn that if you have a problem it is important to address it rather than holding it inside. Whether it is talking to someone or writing you need to get your feelings out. This book is a great reading for the entire class both girls and boys because anyone can relate to what this boy is going through. Since divorce is very common and being the new kid is as well it is a great way for students to get a different perspective and learn how to handle their feelings.
 * Review:**

Using this book in my future classroom is important because it shows how little things such as talking or writing can make things better. It is also a great way to show bulling because Leigh talks about how he gets picked on and doesn’t fit in. This happens a lot in schools and how Leigh gets through it is a great to show students. Many students hold in their feelings this book will give examples and ways of expressing yourself. Leigh wrote to his favorite author who replied and with the authors response it changed Leigh’s views. With the help of friends, family and peers students can feel great too.
 * Analysis of Literary Element:**