Helpful Score: 3
This is a really good book that I read while in fifth grade and it really helped me deal with a lot of unresolved issues that I had with my parents divorce. I still cry when I read this book, I've been through it so many times that I have most of it memorized. This book is great for children form 10-14 and can even be used for kids slightly younger than this depending on their reading level. It is a funny and emotional book that is easy for children to relate to because it is written form the point of view of a child. This is my all time favorite children's book, and it deserves more parse than it has accumulated.
Helpful Score: 1
I have read this book so many times and it is worth reading! It is showing you the way to write a letter, in a way, and also telling you a story!
Helpful Score: 1
This is an amazing children's novel, it was one of my very favorites growing up. A young boy gets an assignment to write to an author, and that starts up a correspondance with Mr. Henshaw. This book is hilarious and very well written, and ever since reading it in this book I've used the "Deliver De Letter / De sooner de better / de later de letter / de madder I getter" :) Great for young children, it's fun and encourages reading as a fun activity beyond school assignment.
Helpful Score: 1
This is a wondeful book that I remember reading in elementary school and have just been able to enjoy with my 8 year old. Beverly Cleary really captures the emotion of the protagonist Leigh Botts as he sruggles with issues of loneiness, self-doubt, parents divorce and just trying to be a kid. Cleary's descriptive wriing is very absorbing. There are interesting vocabulary words in the book that are fun to talk about with your kids like mimeograph and some foodie words like quiche as the mother works as a caterer. It is also not too overwhelming for early independent readers as the book is broken up into letter and journal entries. I highly recommend this for any beginning to read independently reader.
Helpful Score: 1
This Newberry Medal book follows elementary student Leigh Botts as he writes letters to his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw. The book deals with Leighs parents divorce and the effect it has on Leighs relationship with his dad. A great book for reluctant readers or students who need another outlet to express themselves. DRA level 40, Guided Reading Level Q
great book
Dear Mr. Henshaw is a very interesting book about a young boy, and what his life is compiled of.
A mid-fourth grade level by the infamous Beverly Cleary!
When, in second grade, Leigh writes to an author to tell him how much he "licked" his book, he never suspects that he'll still be writing to him four years later. And he never imagines the kinds of things he'll be writing about:
Dear Mr. Henshaw, I am sorry I was rude in my last letter... Maybe I was mad about other things, like Dad forgetting to send this month's support payment. Mom tried to phone him at the trailer park where, as Mom says, he hangs his hat.
It's not easy being the new kid in town, with recently divorced parents, no dog anymore, and a lunch that gets stolen every day (all the "good stuff," anyway). Writing letters, first to the real Mr. Henshaw, and then in a diary to a pretend Mr. Henshaw, may be just what he needs.
This Newbery Medal-winning book, by the terrifically popular and prolific Beverly Cleary (Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and Runaway Ralph), exhibits a subtlety and sensitivity that will be appreciated by any youngster who feels lonely and troubled during the transition into adolescence. Winner of numerous other awards, including two Newbery Honors, Cleary teams up with Caldecott winner Paul O. Zelinsky, who creates a quiet backdrop for the realistic characters. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter
-- Kirkus Reviews
"Capably and unobtrusively structured as well as valid and realistic."
Dear Mr. Henshaw, I am sorry I was rude in my last letter... Maybe I was mad about other things, like Dad forgetting to send this month's support payment. Mom tried to phone him at the trailer park where, as Mom says, he hangs his hat.
It's not easy being the new kid in town, with recently divorced parents, no dog anymore, and a lunch that gets stolen every day (all the "good stuff," anyway). Writing letters, first to the real Mr. Henshaw, and then in a diary to a pretend Mr. Henshaw, may be just what he needs.
This Newbery Medal-winning book, by the terrifically popular and prolific Beverly Cleary (Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and Runaway Ralph), exhibits a subtlety and sensitivity that will be appreciated by any youngster who feels lonely and troubled during the transition into adolescence. Winner of numerous other awards, including two Newbery Honors, Cleary teams up with Caldecott winner Paul O. Zelinsky, who creates a quiet backdrop for the realistic characters. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter
-- Kirkus Reviews
"Capably and unobtrusively structured as well as valid and realistic."
As usual well written, all school aged kids should read this book!
When, in second grade, Leigh writes to an author to tell him how much he "liked" his book, he never suspects that he'll still be writing to him four years later. And he never imagines the kinds of things he'll be writing about:
Dear Mr. Henshaw, I am sorry I was rude in my last letter... Maybe I was mad about other things, like Dad forgetting to send this month's support payment. Mom tried to phone him at the trailer park where, as Mom says, he hangs his hat.
It's not easy being the new kid in town, with recently divorced parents, no dog anymore, and a lunch that gets stolen every day (all the "good stuff," anyway). Writing letters, first to the real Mr. Henshaw, and then in a diary to a pretend Mr. Henshaw, may be just what he needs.
Dear Mr. Henshaw, I am sorry I was rude in my last letter... Maybe I was mad about other things, like Dad forgetting to send this month's support payment. Mom tried to phone him at the trailer park where, as Mom says, he hangs his hat.
It's not easy being the new kid in town, with recently divorced parents, no dog anymore, and a lunch that gets stolen every day (all the "good stuff," anyway). Writing letters, first to the real Mr. Henshaw, and then in a diary to a pretend Mr. Henshaw, may be just what he needs.
When, in second grade, Leigh writes to an author to tell him how much he "licked" his book, he never suspects that he'll still be writing to him four years later.
Letters from a 6th grade boy to an author.
I think everyone should read this book. This book touches all of your emotions.
My older one loves this one!
Newberry Medal Winner
Beautiful book. A boy's reaction to the divorce of his parents. Everyone should read this.
Funny, touching, and clever story in missive form about a young boy who experiences loss (parent divorce) and problems at school. My 8 yr-old enjoyed it (and so did I!) though he didn't identify with much in the story.
Beverly Cleary...what more to say? She's great.
"This one is the best..." New York Times Book Review
"This one is the best..." New York Times Book Review
This book is used in Sonlight Core 100
One of the best books ever written about the reactions kids typically have when parents divorce. Honest and real.
Hey, do any of you out there like to write letters? I do! This book is a book of letters! It has a great story and it teaches you how to write a letter while you read the book! Amazing, huh?!
Ordered this book for my 10 year old grandson. I read it a few years ago with 4th students before I retired. Lots of life lessons as this young boys writes to a trucker.
