1984 Newbery Medal Winner
This is the Newbery award winning tale of Leigh Botts, a young boy who is struggling with his feelings and his sense of himself. He is trying to cope with divorce and change and growing up. Leigh is writing letters to his favorite author. Through the letters and the connection with Mr. Henshaw, Leigh explores bullies, divorce, loss and himself. This is a touching journey and a sensitive story. Strider is the sequel.
160 pages 978-0380709588 Ages 8-12
Keywords: boys and men, divorce and marriage, growing up, finding yourself, letters, author, bullies, Newbery Medal, 8 year old, 9 year old, 10 year old, 11 year old, 12 year old
Recommended by: Barb Langridge, abookandahug.com
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Beverly Cleary’s timeless Newbery Medal-winning book explores difficult topics like divorce, insecurity, and bullying through the thoughts and emotions of a sixth-grade boy as he writes to his favorite author, Boyd Henshaw. This middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 6, especially during homeschooling. It’s a fun way to keep your child entertained and engaged while not in the classroom.
After his parents separate, Leigh Botts moves to a new town with his mother. Struggling to make friends and deal with his anger toward his absent father, Leigh loses himself in a class assignment in which he must write to his favorite author. When Mr. Henshaw responds, the two form an unexpected friendship that will change Leigh’s life forever.
From the beloved author of the Henry Huggins, Ramona Quimby, and Ralph S. Mouse series comes an epistolary novel about how to navigate and heal from life’s growing pains.---from the publisher
