Dear Mr. Henshaw Comprehension Quiz

Which quote from the story best shows Leigh's feelings about his father? (RL.5.1)

• I wish someday Dad and Bandit would pull up in front in the rig.
• Dad should phone today or tomorrow.
• I don't think Dad is that much interested in me.
• Dad used to be good about helping me build things.

What is a main theme of the story? (RL.5.2)

• The importance of friendship
• Dealing with family changes and loneliness
• The challenges of being a famous author
• The excitement of starting a new school

How does Leigh's relationship with his father change throughout the story? (RL.5.3)

• It improves as they spend more time together
• It becomes more distant as his father misses calls and visits
• It stays the same throughout the entire story
• It becomes closer through frequent letter writing

In the context of the story, what does Leigh's mother mean when she says she's "afraid I might find another man who's in love with a truck"? (RL.5.4)

• She's worried about dating a truck salesman
• She's concerned about finding a man who prioritizes his job over family
• She wants to avoid men who collect toy trucks
• She's scared of riding in trucks

Which sentence best summarizes Leigh's experience with writing to Mr. Henshaw? (RL.5.2)

• Leigh becomes frustrated with Mr. Henshaw's lack of responses
• Writing helps Leigh express his feelings and improve his writing skills
• Leigh and Mr. Henshaw become close friends through their letters
• Mr. Henshaw's letters inspire Leigh to become a truck driver

How does Leigh's attitude towards keeping a diary change from the beginning to the end of the story? (RL.5.3)

• He starts enthusiastic but loses interest
• He remains reluctant throughout the story
• He begins reluctantly but grows to enjoy and benefit from it
• His attitude doesn't change; he always enjoys writing

What does the phrase "keep your nose clean" mean when Leigh's father uses it? (RL.5.4)

• Remember to use tissues
• Stay out of trouble
• Keep studying hard
• Don't catch a cold

Which quote best supports the theme of coping with change? (RL.5.1)

• Mom works part time for Catering by Katy
• After the divorce Mom and I moved from Bakersfield to Pacific Grove
• I bought a composition book like you said
• I finished Beggar Bears in two nights

How does Leigh's new living situation compare to his old one? (RL.5.3)

• He has more space in the new house than in the mobile home
• He lives closer to his father now
• The new house is more run-down and he misses his old home
• He prefers the new house because it's near the ocean

In the context of the story, what does Leigh mean by a "fictitious name"? (RL.5.4)

• His real name
• A famous person's name
• A made-up name
• His nickname