Dear Mr. Henshaw

This Newbery Medal-winning novel offers young readers a gentle yet honest window into the emotional landscape of a sixth-grade boy navigating his parents' divorce through a series of letters to his favorite author. As Leigh Botts moves to a new town, his correspondence evolves from simple fan mail to a profound diary, chronicling his struggles with loneliness, schoolyard bullying, and the complex feelings surrounding his absent father. Beverly Cleary masterfully captures the authentic voice of a child grappling with real-world challenges, making difficult topics accessible through Leigh's relatable first-person narrative. The epistolary format creates an intimate reading experience that validates a child's own big emotions and questions.

What makes this story particularly distinctive is how it balances emotional weight with moments of resilience and self-discovery, as Leigh finds his own voice through writing. Children experiencing family changes or feeling misunderstood will find deep comfort in seeing their own struggles reflected, while all readers benefit from this nuanced exploration of empathy and personal growth. This remains an essential chapter book for developing emotional literacy, providing both a mirror for children in similar circumstances and a window for others to understand different family dynamics. Its lasting impact comes from showing young readers that their feelings matter and that writing can be a powerful tool for making sense of the world.