description Dear Mr. Henshaw Overview
Dear Mr. Henshaw is a 1983 children's novel by American author Beverly Cleary, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. It is presented through letters and diary entries written by Leigh Botts, a boy who corresponds with his favorite author while coping with loneliness, school difficulties, and his parents' divorce.
The book traces Leigh's growth as a writer and his increasing ability to understand his family, his anger, and his own identity.
help Dear Mr. Henshaw FAQ
Who is Leigh Botts in Dear Mr. Henshaw?
Leigh Botts is the boy who writes letters to his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw. He later keeps a diary while dealing with loneliness, school problems, and changes in his family life.
How is Dear Mr. Henshaw written?
The novel is told through Leigh's letters and diary entries. This epistolary form lets readers see his voice develop as he becomes more honest about his worries.
Who wrote Dear Mr. Henshaw?
Beverly Cleary wrote the novel, which was published in 1983. Paul O. Zelinsky illustrated the book.
Did Dear Mr. Henshaw win a major children's book award?
Yes. Dear Mr. Henshaw won the Newbery Medal for its 1984 award year. The story's focus on a child's emotional life helped make it a major work of American children's fiction.
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