Dear Mr. Henshaw By: Beverly Cleary

While developing various lessons throughout my education classes, I struggled with introducing the format of a friendly and business letter.  This Newberry Medal book was the perfect resource.  The plot is developmentally appropriate for elementary students as well.

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Author: Beverly Cleary - Beverly Cleary gained her love for books through her mother who volunteered as the town librarian.  Her love for reading eventually turned into her famous writing career.  As an author of over thirty children's books, Beverly Cleary has won numerous awards as well as earned the nickname of a "Living Legend" from the Library of Congress.  Uniquely, her books have also been translated in numerous languages for children of all areas of the world to enjoy. Beverly Cleary

Genre: Fiction

Grade Level: 3 - 5

Theme/Skill: Diary and Letter Writing

Brief Synopsis:  In the beginning of this book, we are introduced to Leigh Boots.  Leigh writes letters to Mr. Henshaw, who is presumed to be an author.  Leigh has to write a report on an author so he writes to Mr. Henshaw.  Eventually, Mr. Henshaw answers one letter but Leigh does the majority of the writing.

Pre-Reading Activity: What does a letter consist of?  What is the difference between a personal letter and a business letter?  What extra parts does a business letter have?  As a class, write an example of a casual letter including date, greeting, body and a closure.  Write a practice business letter together as a class.  To ensure the students’ understanding of both types, break students into partners and write either a personal letter or a business letter.  

Post-Reading Activity (After Chapter 1): (Read to about page 15.)  What does Leigh want to be when he grows up?  Where does Leigh live? Why doesn’t he like where he lives?  How old do you think Leigh is?   After reading the Leigh Botts’ letters, ask students to work independently to fill in a character map.  Once students believe they have finished, go over it as a class.  Students will be asked to keep this character map with their reading supplies so they can reference it throughout the book.

Cleary, B. (1983) Dear Mr. Henshaw. New York: Scholastic Inc. Grades 3 – 5.