Leigh Botts has been writing his favorite author Boyd Henshaw since second grade. As he grows so does his relationship with Mr. Henshaw. Through their letters Leigh learns there are things that he cant change in his life. Leigh cannot control the fact that his parents got divorced. He cannot make his father more reliable or make him show up to see him when he says he will. While speaking to Mr. Henshaw Leigh begins thinking about a career in writing and learns the values of true friendship.
In her usual fashion, Ms. Cleary draws us into the life of her unlikely heroes. Leigh Botts is not your average teen boy- he is sensitive, often an outsider, and has even found himself through writing in a journal. Another anomaly in this book is the fact that it is entirely told through the writings of Leigh. We are first introduced to Leigh through his letters to Mr. Henshaw and later through Leigh's journal. The characters are completely existent in Leigh's writings and we learn of their faults and feelings through the eyes of the young protagonist. Despite never actually meeting the characters, reader's are drawn into their lives and anxiously await to see what happens to them.
As this book follows the writings of a boy from second grade on into junior high the style of writing changes with him. This novel would be an excellent source for students to learn about the correct use of grammar and how to spot mistakes. As Leigh grows the amount of mistakes grows smaller. Teachers could use the earlier writings for easy to spot mistakes and the later journal entrees to display proper grammar.
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