By: Beverly Cleary
Illustrated: Paul O. Zelinsky
This story by Beverly Cleary is an interesting one. The book is written in letter form. Leigh is infatuated with his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw's, stories. While dealing with divorce, a new school and home, Leigh writes to Mr. Henshaw very often as sort of an outlet. There are adult themes in the story. I honestly couldn't relate to Leigh on many things. His parents are divorced. Mine aren't. Leigh and his mom have moved to a new city. I've lived in the same city my whole life. Leigh had to go to a new school. I never had to change schools. Despite the differences between myself and Leigh, there are many kids who can relate to him.
Throughout the story, I felt very sorry for Leigh because of the distance between him and his dad. He longs for his dad to stop by and even call him. When he does, Leigh isn't even called by his name. His dad calls him, "Kid." Leigh is hurt and always has his dad on his mind.
Leigh's only friend in school is the custodian, Mr. Fridley. Leigh describes Mr. Fridley as, "He is so nice, sort of baggy and comfortable." I thought of my favorite pair of jeans or sweats I wear at home. I thought that description was interesting.
Leigh does have many hardships for a boy his age, but he has some happy times as well. When they do come along, I'm happy that finally something goes right for him.
This was a great story. It definitely pulls at the heartstrings and if you have parents who are not divorced and don't really know what it's like to have both parents living separate, it's a real eye-opener.
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