* Small town atmosphere: Leigh mentions that everyone knows everyone else in town and that there's not much to do.
* Rural location: Leigh's family has a garden and lives near a wooded area.
* Near a city: Leigh and her mother occasionally travel to New York City, which implies the town is relatively close to a major metropolitan area.
The story also takes place in Leigh's school, where she interacts with her classmates and teachers. The school is a significant location as Leigh experiences challenges and triumphs related to her writing and relationships with others.
The novel also includes brief scenes set in Leigh's father's new home in California, where Leigh visits him during the summer. This provides a contrasting setting to the small-town life she is accustomed to.
Overall, the setting of "Dear Mr. Henshaw" is a realistic portrayal of a small town environment that shapes Leigh's experiences and development as a young writer. It's a place where she feels both isolated and connected, and where she discovers the power of her own voice.