Review: Cleary, B., & Zelinsky, P. O. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw.

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

Leigh Botts is in the sixth grade and has no friends at the new school he attends since he and his mother moved into a tiny apartment following his parents’ divorce.  Lonely and uncertain, he resumes writing his favorite author, Boyd Henshaw, whom he first wrote to and received a response from in the first grade.

Over the course of his grade school years, the reader briefly sees Leigh’s writing mature through the format of the letters he sent, which begin “Dear Mr. Henshaw.”  In sixth grade he begins by telling Mr. Henshaw that he is “in a new school in a different town,” (7) and writes with questions because he is required to complete an author report.  He is displeased, however, when Mr. Henshaw responds with his own questions for Leigh, which cause him to have to reflect on and discuss his personal circumstances. Told entirely through his own letters, and later diary entries, Leigh begins to work through his resentment toward his mother, his absent father, his living situation and his perceived hostile school environment.

Initially Leigh wants to be a famous author and write books exactly like Mr. Henshaw, but as he grows, he learns that a person must write his own story.  Although he questions his mother’s actions and wishes for more attention from his father, he learns to accept others’ shortcomings and do his personal best.  His friendly school custodian Mr. Fridley also offers gentle advice and encouragement as Leigh devises a plan to foil the lunchbag thief and eventually makes friends among his peers with his ingenuity and kindness.  Ultimately, Leigh goes from being a “boy nobody pays much attention to,” (25) to an enthusiastic essay writer, recognized for his talents, more at peace with his situation, and looking forward to living more life to write about.

This novel was awarded the Newbery Medal, coming at a time when children’s literature did not yet portray protagonists as living with single, divorced parents, nor dealing with the associated economic and emotional difficulties.  It was an important work as a mirror to children living that growing realty. It is also significant to readers of all ages as it demonstrates that while we cannot control the actions and decisions of those around us, we can decide how we react and whether we choose a path of personal growth.  It also confirms that while we cannot always determine our own circumstances, we can let go of resentment and focus on the positive aspects of our lives. It is okay to “feel sad and a whole lot better at the same time” (134).