Dear Mr. Henshaw

This story is about a boy named Leigh Botts who loves an author named Mr.Henshaw and writes to him originally in the 2nd grade, and then once a year until the 6th grade. In the 6th grade he has to do a report and sends off questions for Mr.Henshaw to answer. The author does so, and asks Leigh some questions in return. At first Leigh is mad that Mr.Henshaw is making him extra work, but in return he is helping him become a better writer. Leigh wants to be a famous author some day. The entire book is written in two forms, one being letters from Leigh to Mr.Henshaw, and the other one being Leigh's diary that Mr.Henshaw suggested he started. In the book, Leigh grows not only as a writer, but as a person. He lives at home with his mom after his parents divorced. His dad is a truck driver and he misses him, and is mad at him at the same time. He starts a new school, and has a hard time making friends. Through a series of events and adviee from various people, he comes to terms with his parents divorce and makes a friend as well. This book is good for grades 3-5, and I remember reading it in the 4th grade. It would be good to include in teaching about single parent homes, changing schools, fitting in, and improving writing.