"Dear Mr. Henshaw" is a children's novel by Beverly Cleary, centering around a young boy named Leigh Botts who is navigating the challenges of growing up. As a fan of the author Mr. Henshaw, he writes to him for advice, expressing his feelings about his parents' divorce and his struggles at school. Through their correspondence, Leigh discovers the importance of expressing his emotions and finding his own voice.
The book captures Leigh's journey of self-discovery, highlighting his resilience and creativity. As he encounters issues like loneliness and bullying, he learns to cope by writing, which helps him articulate his thoughts and feelings. This development illustrates the power of writing as a therapeutic outlet, allowing him to connect with Mr. Henshaw and gain insight into his own life.