Dear Mr. Henshaw

By: Beverly Cleary

Narrated by: Pedro Pascal

Length: 1 hr and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©1983 Beverly Cleary (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"A first-rate, poignant story...a lovely, well-crafted, three-dimensional work." ( The New York Times Book Review)

Perfect

This book is a awesome book!! It really shows feelings. I require it for young ones!

A pretty good book for youngsters

In this book, it talks about the boy's family and all those stuffs of wanting to be a writer. In the boy's childhood, he respects Mr.Henshaw but when he grow up, he would sometimes be very rude to Mr. Heshaw

Witty letter dealing with sincere issue

I loved this witty Leah's letter to Mr. Henshaw. He is dealing with serious issue (parents' divorce) yet he handles with wit. I love this novel.

Dear Mr Henshaw

I didn't think I would enjoy this story written as a diary but I could feel the boy's emotions. it's easy to read and could help children who are going through parents divorcing. I give this book a solid A.

Just as good as I remember

Awesome! Brought back great memories! Tgis book is truly a classic for me. I remember reading this in junior high...30 years ago and the storyline is still poignant. Makes me feel like I could be a writer some day. How quickly it can transport you to days gone by!

Undimmed by 37 years.

I read about the passing of Beverly Cleary yesterday, and I was reminded of this book that was a favorite of mine when I was a child. I remember at the time it felt a little bit like cheating, because the epistolary format lends itself to fast page turning.

Could that nine-year-old boy have imagined this 46-year-old man whose wife died last year, who is now dating a divorcee with a 10-year-old child? Would it surprise him to know that he still relates so keenly to these ordinary feelings of injustice, abandonment, and loneliness that animate these letters?

I remember thinking as a child that at times, Leigh’s growing wisdom was something adults want for kids, rather than something that felt true to the character. I would add that we wish it for the child inside ourselves, because life can be cruel and out of our control. In such times, we remember that child we were, and call upon their resourcefulness.

This story is true and immense, forgiving and small, and completely unforgettable. I was shocked how many things I still remembered, and how many behaviors I have observed in the 10-year-old in my life.

wonderful

I always love Beverly Cleary and this has been one favorite books for most of my life.

Enchanting

Pedro Pascal was a great choice for this absolutely wonderful classic. I was enchanted from beginning to end.

Loved This Story!

I really loved the way this story was written. The narrator's voice alone projected so much of Leigh's emotion, especially the loneliness he was feeling. And I wonder if Beverly Cleary wrote this story for young readers who dream about being an author. Even if she didn't have that intention, I believe that message comes across loud and clear.

If you know any middle schoolers who dream about becoming an author or are dealing with divorced parents or loneliness, give them this book to read!

Erica Tapia

What a wonderful book, my 7 years old daughter loved it and she is reading the book again! Thanks for such a wonderful book!