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Dear Mr. Henshaw | ||
| Author: | Beverly Cleary | ||
| ISBN: | 0380709589 | ||
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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 ANNOTATION In his letters to his favorite author, ten-year-old Leigh reveals his problems in coping with his parents' divorce, being the new boy in school, and generally finding his own place in the world. FROM THE PUBLISHER Dear Mr. Henshaw, I wish somebody would stop stealing the good stuff out of my lunchbag. I guess I wish a lot of other things, too. I wish someday Dad and Bandit would pull up in front in the rig ... Dad would yell out of the cab, Come on, Leigh. Hop in and I'll give you a lift to school. Leigh Botts has been author Boyd Henshaw's number one fan ever since he was in second grade. Now in sixth grade, Leigh lives with his mother and is the new kid at school. He's lonely, troubled by the absence of his father, a cross-country trucker, and angry because a mysterious thief steals from his lunchbag. Then Leigh's teacher assigns a letter-writing project. Naturally Leigh chooses to write to Mr. Henshaw, whose surprising answer changes Leigh's life. FROM THE CRITICS New York Times Book Review A first-rate, poignant story ... a lovely, well-crafted, three-dimensional work. New York Times Book Review A first-rate, poignant story ... a lovely, well-crafted, three-dimensional work. School Library Journal Cleary succeeds again. [Her] sense of humor leavens and lightens ... Publishers Weekly This amusing, often touching series of letters from Leigh Botts to a children's book author he admires again demonstrates Cleary's right-on perception of a kid's world. Ages 8-12. (Aug.) Children's Literature - Children's Literture Awarded since 1922, the John Newbery Medal, given each year by the American Library Association to the most distinguished children's book published in America, has a long, illustrious history. The resulting publicity and opportunity to apply that famous gold seal to the cover of the book usually mean instant popularity for and sustained interest in the winning title. Many Newbery winners find their way onto recommended reading lists for schools and libraries. Sometimes changes in society and popular culture reduce the books' impacts on today's audience, but in many cases even the passing of years does not diminish their effect. Happily, Dear Mr. Henshaw, the Newbery winner in 1984, holds up very well. The poignant story of a young boy's family facing separation, divorce and moving to a new town and school, rings true today. Written as a series of letters and diary entries addressed to his favorite author, Cleary's realistic novel clearly opens Leigh's life to readers. Missing his dad and his dog, dealing with an unknown lunch thief, trying to make new friends, worrying about his mother working so hard and being so lonely, wishing for a better life, wondering about how to become a writer himself, Leigh is presented as one of us--imperfect, but trying and growing. Leigh's story is certainly still worthy of attention. 2000 (orig. 1983), HarperTrophy, Ages 8 to 12, $4.95. Reviewer: Donna T. Brumby
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