Cleary, B. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. NY: Morrow
Being a kid of the 80's, this is a book I owned as a child but I'm not sure I ever read the whole thing. I never could relate to a boy struggling with his parent's divorce so it never hooked me. As an adult I can appreciate why this 30 year old book would find its way on a reading list for a children's literature class. Leigh was clearly seeking out some fatherly advice in his letters to fictional author Boyd Henshaw. Mr. Henshaw's advice to start a journal would benefit any child but especially one who is struggling with a family disruption. Leigh finds his voice and his confidence in the series of letters and journal entries. Leigh's personal growth in this book would make for a good character study and the conflict resolution would be a great classroom conversation of a realistic conclusion to the problem facing Leigh's family and many others.
Textbook Assignment #3
Evaluative Criteria #1 - Style
In Leigh’s collection of letters and diary entries, we see him transition from a second grader who loves a book about a dog to a middle schooler struggling to cope with his parents’ divorce. Cleary’s use of this style allows the reader to understand Leigh’s feelings in a way that is unique for a first person narrative. It is in these letters to author Boyd Henshaw that Leigh finds his voice and through the diary entries he comes to grips with the difficulties both at home and school. Cleary perfectly captures the emotions, thoughts, and wit of Leigh Botts in this coming of age tale with its own unique, timeless style.
Evaluative Criteria #2 - Theme
Leigh goes from being a happy kid living with his parents and his dog to a kid who is lonely and struggling to figure out what happened to his happy family. The theme of divorce and adjustment is one that many kids can understand. The conflicting feelings Leigh has for his dad are honest and relatable. His frustration with circumstances he cannot control give him a focus in his writing without weighing down the plot. In the end, Leigh comes full circle in his acceptance of his parent’s divorce and reluctantly begins to embrace his new normal.
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