Dear Mr. Henshaw

How do you view Boyd Henshaw through Leigh’s descriptions of his writing and his responses to Leigh’s letters? What was his purpose in sending Leigh the list of questions?

Discuss the tension between Bonnie’s need for Leigh to be responsible and independent and his fragile emotional state after the divorce. Does she expect too much of Leigh, or does her expectation push Leigh toward growth and maturity that helps him persevere through the difficult times?

Analyze the ways in which the tone and subject matter of the novel differ from Cleary’s previous work. Is the melancholy and depressing tone too much for young readers?

How does Cleary incorporate the motif of animals in the narrative? What does Bandit symbolize in Leigh’s life?

Consider the character of Bill Botts. How does Cleary characterize him? Why is Bonnie sympathetic to Bill’s need for freedom and distaste for settling down into family life?

How does Cleary ride the line of creating empathy in the reader for Leigh without making them feel sorry for him? Explore how the author empowers her character to fight for himself even when it seems the odds are stacked against him.

Analyze the way Cleary underscores the importance of mentorship in a child’s life. Consider the minor characters who influence Leigh, such as Mrs. Neely, the unnamed man in the hardware store, and Katy. How do these adults make a large impact on Leigh’s life through small acts of compassion and care?

Discuss Cleary’s attention to the sense of place. How does Leigh’s environment shape him? Consider his cottage home and its proximity to the gas station and the ocean. Why did Cleary choose to divert from her typical Oregon location and set the novel in California?