1. Divorce is a common ending to modern marriages. How does divorce influence Leigh's life and emotions? Is that an accurate depiction of the effects of divorce on a child?

2. Dear Mr. Henshaw is written as a series of letters and diary entries. Discuss how this format is effective or ineffective.

3. Bill Botts is shown to have both good and bad qualities. In what ways is he a good father? A bad father?

4. Bonnie Botts thinks that television viewing is "rotting" Leigh's brain. Many adults believe that television is detrimental to young viewers. Do you agree?

5. Examine the early letters and diary entries. Compare them to the later letters and diary pages. In what ways does the main character mature over the course of the book? How is this maturing process demonstrated?

6. In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain...