1. Leigh Botts, emotionally opens up to his favorite author (Mr. Henshaw) through a series of letters that they exchange. Why does he feel comfortable opening up through writing to a stranger (even though it is his favorite author), and nobody else at the beginning of the book?

 

 

2. Leigh befriends more adult figures throughout the book, who he turns to for emotional guidance. Who are some of these characters, and what lessons/advice does he receive from them?

 

 

3. What does Leigh learn about his father throughout the book? Does he end up being able to achieve the relationship with his dad that he always wanted?

 

 

4. How does Leigh become friends with Barry?

 

 

5. How does the book end, in terms of is family situation, and especially his dad? What are the pros and cons of having a realistic, instead of ideal, ending to the book?