Goodreads synopsis: Leigh has been Boyd Henshaw's number one fan ever since he was in second grade. Now in sixth grade, Leigh lives with his mother and is the new kid in school. He's lonely, troubled by the absence of his father, a cross-country trucker, and angry because a mysterious thief steals from his lunchbag. Then Leigh's teacher assigns a letter-writing project. Naturally Leigh chooses to write to Mr. Henshaw, whose surprising answer changes Leigh's life.
My rating: 4 stars.
Content warnings: G. None.
Thoughts: It's a sweet and painful story, and it's definitely a good read. As a kid it was inspiring to keep going and keep trying even when things seem hopeless, and as an adult it's inspiring to keep an eye out and notice the unnoticed people in your life.
The fact that Mr. Henshaw replies in the first place is lovely, and that's the kind of attention I hope I give people no matter what my life is, or how insignificant they may seem to me. That reply is really what started Leigh's healing in the first place.
I do think that the writing advice both authors Leigh communicates with is maybe not the best. Obviously it's what Cleary thinks, and it worked for her. But I don't think it's advice that everyone should hear, and it doesn't work for everyone.
It's probably a sweet book for people even if they have no interest in writing. But that added level really made the book that much more meaningful.
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