Here's why:
* Focus on a relatable character: The story centers on Leigh Bottoms, a young boy facing everyday challenges like school, family, and writing struggles. This makes the story relatable to children.
* Realistic setting and situations: The events in the book occur in a believable setting, with characters facing situations that many children can relate to.
* Exploration of real-life issues: "Dear Mr. Henshaw" touches upon themes like loneliness, finding inspiration, and the power of writing, which are relatable to young readers.
* Coming-of-age story: The book chronicles Leigh's journey of self-discovery and growth, a common theme in children's fiction.
While the story has elements of other genres like fantasy (with Leigh's fictional character, "Mr. Henshaw"), mystery (with the mystery surrounding Leigh's father), and friendship (with his relationship with his classmates and teacher), these are intertwined with the core elements of realistic fiction.