The following questions are regarding Beverly Cleary's Newberry Medal winning novel, Dear Mr. Henshaw.

Question 1
Why does Beverly Cleary tell the story through a boy's letters and diary entries? How does his writing develop through the course of these letters and diary entries? How do the letter writing and diary entries convey the intellectual and emotional development of the narrator, Leigh Botts? Why do you think Beverly Cleary made Leigh Botts see himself as "medium", and how does his self-image change as the story progresses? You must support your interpretation with specific details and examples from the story.

Question 2
Beverly Cleary is able to convey humor with serious subject matter in the way Leigh Botts writes about his situation to Mr. Henshaw, and then in his own diary. Describe some of the humorous passages in the story and explain what makes them humorous. What does the humor say about Leigh's personality? How does the humor help readers connect to Leigh Botts without feeling pity for him?

Question 3
Discuss the following characters and provide examples of their positive influence: Mr. Fridley, Miss Neely, Angela Badger, Leigh's mother, Leigh's father, and Mr. Henshaw. Explain in detail a specific example with each adult character and discuss how Leigh sees the impact the adult has had on him? Discuss the role that reading and writing plays in the positive influence of these adults on Leigh and how he sees himself.

Question 4
What do we learn about Leigh's mother and father through his letters and diary entries? Give details and provide your own interpretation of Leigh's parents and their affect on Leigh, their only son. What do the following reveal about his father: losing then returning Bandit, calling Leigh "kid," and trucking cross country? What is the symbolism of Bill Bott's truck and his CB name? What is the significance of the following reflections on his mother: her love of reading, her explanation for why she cannot remarry Bill Botts, her reaction to Leigh's repeatedly being let down by his father? What is the significance of Leigh's mom going to community college for a nursing degree while working part time as a caterer?

Question 5
Cleary avoids a stereotypical happy ending to her story. Why do you think she ends as she does? What do readers learn with such an ending that would not be learned if she had ended "happily ever after"? How has Leigh grown and developed intellectually and emotionally by the end of the novel? You must provide specific details and examples.

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