Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of Dear Mr. Henshaw

Dear Mr. Henshaw
Dear Mr Henshaw
Author: Beverly Cleary
ISBN: 392908
Publication Date: 1983
Pages: 134
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 2

3.8 stars, based on 2 ratings
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Write a Review

23 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on
Helpful Score: 3
This is a really good book that I read while in fifth grade and it really helped me deal with a lot of unresolved issues that I had with my parents divorce. I still cry when I read this book, I've been through it so many times that I have most of it memorized. This book is great for children form 10-14 and can even be used for kids slightly younger than this depending on their reading level. It is a funny and emotional book that is easy for children to relate to because it is written form the point of view of a child. This is my all time favorite children's book, and it deserves more parse than it has accumulated.
reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 11 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I have read this book so many times and it is worth reading! It is showing you the way to write a letter, in a way, and also telling you a story!
crawford avatar reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 59 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
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.
ctbeagles avatar reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on
Helpful Score: 1
This is a wondeful book that I remember reading in elementary school and have just been able to enjoy with my 8 year old. Beverly Cleary really captures the emotion of the protagonist Leigh Botts as he sruggles with issues of loneiness, self-doubt, parents divorce and just trying to be a kid. Cleary's descriptive wriing is very absorbing. There are interesting vocabulary words in the book that are fun to talk about with your kids like mimeograph and some foodie words like quiche as the mother works as a caterer. It is also not too overwhelming for early independent readers as the book is broken up into letter and journal entries. I highly recommend this for any beginning to read independently reader.
reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This Newberry Medal book follows elementary student Leigh Botts as he writes letters to his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw. The book deals with Leighs parents divorce and the effect it has on Leighs relationship with his dad. A great book for reluctant readers or students who need another outlet to express themselves. DRA level 40, Guided Reading Level Q
reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 588 more book reviews
great book
reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 3 more book reviews
Dear Mr. Henshaw is a very interesting book about a young boy, and what his life is compiled of.
tchrmsb avatar reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 173 more book reviews
A mid-fourth grade level by the infamous Beverly Cleary!
freeverse071681 avatar reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 609 more book reviews
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."
reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 16 more book reviews
As usual well written, all school aged kids should read this book!
bluestar avatar reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 89 more book reviews
When, in second grade, Leigh writes to an author to tell him how much he "liked" 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.
reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 219 more book reviews
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.
reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 93 more book reviews
Letters from a 6th grade boy to an author.
reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 7 more book reviews
I think everyone should read this book. This book touches all of your emotions.
reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 19 more book reviews
My older one loves this one!
reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 113 more book reviews
Newberry Medal Winner
katknit avatar reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 355 more book reviews
Beautiful book. A boy's reaction to the divorce of his parents. Everyone should read this.
reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 19 more book reviews
Funny, touching, and clever story in missive form about a young boy who experiences loss (parent divorce) and problems at school. My 8 yr-old enjoyed it (and so did I!) though he didn't identify with much in the story.
reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 23 more book reviews
Beverly Cleary...what more to say? She's great.

"This one is the best..." New York Times Book Review
SusanofGreenGables avatar reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 618 more book reviews
This book is used in Sonlight Core 100
katknit avatar reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 355 more book reviews
One of the best books ever written about the reactions kids typically have when parents divorce. Honest and real.
reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 8 more book reviews
Hey, do any of you out there like to write letters? I do! This book is a book of letters! It has a great story and it teaches you how to write a letter while you read the book! Amazing, huh?!
reviewed Dear Mr. Henshaw on + 6 more book reviews
Ordered this book for my 10 year old grandson. I read it a few years ago with 4th students before I retired. Lots of life lessons as this young boys writes to a trucker.