Is a family still a family when it's cut in half? That's the question Beverly Cleary tackles in Dear Mr. Henshaw. Cleary wrote this book for all kids, but mostly for the large number of kids whose parents have divorced and who are faced with a sudden and drastic change in their lives.
Leigh remembers what his family was like when his parents were together, and he spends a lot of time trying to figure out why his parents got divorced. He wonders if his dad still cares about him, and he feels hurt and lost when his dad doesn't call or visit. In coming to terms with his relationship with his dad, Leigh develops relationships with Mr. Henshaw and Mr. Fridley, who become father and grandfather figures in his life. And of course, his mom is there for him every step of the way.
So is a family still a family when half of it is missing? Yep, says Beverly Cleary. Leigh's story shows us that love is what makes a family, and that friends and mentors can help fill in the missing pieces.
Questions About Family
- Why does Leigh say, "I wonder if Dad will marry the pizza boy and his mother" (50.4)? Obviously his dad is not going to marry the pizza boy, so why does Leigh include him?
- In what ways are Mr. Fridley and Mr. Henshaw like father figures to Leigh? How is it possible that someone who isn't your family can be like family?
- Are Leigh, Mom, and Dad still a family after the divorce?
Chew on This
Mom turns down Dad's offer to come back home because she knows they still wouldn't be the kind of family she wants.
Even though Mr. Henshaw and Mr. Fridley aren't related to Leigh (and he hasn't even met Mr. H.), they often act more like a dad than his real dad does.