When the letter does arrive it is jokey and filled with silly, funny answers which amuse the class, and it also included a list of questions for Leigh to answer. He doesn't get a letter back in time to write his report but improvises by reworking the author information on the book jacket. Leigh sends Boyd Henshaw a list of ten questions, with the tenth being tips on how he can write a book someday too. His English assignment is to write to an author for tips and to get some autobiographical details from them. He has moved to a new town and goes to a new school. When Leigh reaches sixth grade there have been some changes in his life. This time, the author responds and suggests that Leigh reads one of his other books, so he does, and enjoys it almost as much as the first one. Although he didn't receive a reply, he wrote again the following year after reading the book for himself, and told Mr Henshaw about his dog, Bandit.Īs a fourth grader his teacher decided to give the class a project for Book Week they have to write to authors, so Leigh writes again as 'Ways To Amuse A Dog' is still his favorite book. Leigh loved the book and wrote a note to the author, Boyd Henshaw, to tell him so. When Leigh Botts is in second grade, his teacher read 'Ways To Amuse A Dog' aloud to the class. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own. I was shocked how many things I still remembered, and how many behaviors I have observed in the 10-year-old in my life.These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. This story is true and immense, forgiving and small, and completely unforgettable. In such times, we remember that child we were, and call upon their resourcefulness.

I would add that we wish it for the child inside ourselves, because life can be cruel and out of our control. Could that nine-year-old boy have imagined this 46-year-old man whose wife died last year, who is now dating a divorcee with a 10-year-old child? Would it surprise him to know that he still relates so keenly to these ordinary feelings of injustice, abandonment, and loneliness that animate these letters? I remember thinking as a child that at times, Leigh’s growing wisdom was something adults want for kids, rather than something that felt true to the character.

I remember at the time it felt a little bit like cheating, because the epistolary format lends itself to fast page turning. I read about the passing of Beverly Cleary yesterday, and I was reminded of this book that was a favorite of mine when I was a child.

Dear mr henshaw online book