Dear Mr. Henshaw

Written by Beverly Cleary

Illustrated by Paul O Zelinsky

Newbery Award 

After his parent's divorce, Leigh and his mother move to a small town where he is put in a new school. As if moving to a new school isn't difficult enough, Leigh has to deal with a bully who always steals his favorite treats from Leigh's lunch every day. Eventually, Leigh is given an assignment by his teacher to write a letter to someone and Leigh chooses his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw. Throughout the book, Leigh writes a series of letters in his journal to Mr. Henshaw and by the end of the book, realizes that all the things that frustrate him; his dad not being around, not having his dog, being forced to move schools, and always having his treats taken by a bully, are out of his control. Leigh understands that life is about balance so he tries to find happiness despite all of his frustrations.

This book covers topics that are very relevant to a lot of children. Divorce is a common thing, living in single-parent households are a common thing, and being frustrated with your circumstances is also a common and normal thing. This book could be good for children to read because it addresses all of those things and sheds light on the fact that its okay to be frustrated sometimes about them, but it also shows that even if you are frustrated with things that are out of your control, it's also possible to find happiness in the good things around you.

I would have this in my classroom library if I was a middle school teacher because I feel that this book is most appropriate for children in that age group.