Search - Dear Mr. Henshaw

This is an amazing children's novel, it was one of my very favorites growing up. A young boy gets an assignment to write to an author, and that starts up a correspondance with Mr. Henshaw. This book is hilarious and very well written, and ever since reading it in this book I've used the "Deliver De Letter / De sooner de better / de later de letter / de madder I getter" :) Great for young children, it's fun and encourages reading as a fun activity beyond school assignment.

A mid-fourth grade level by the infamous Beverly Cleary!

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

-- Kirkus Reviews
"Capably and unobtrusively structured as well as valid and realistic."

As usual well written, all school aged kids should read this book!