Books like Dear Mr. Henshaw

Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary reads as poignant, realistic. These 12 books share its genome — matched by how they actually read, not just their shelf label.

Ramona and Her Father

Beverly Cleary · 1977

Both explore family & growing up

70% genome match

The Suitcase Kid

Jacqueline Wilson · 1992

Both explore divorce & family

70% genome match

A Dog on Barkham Street

Mary Stolz · 1960

Both explore loneliness & family

72% genome match

Dawn and the Impossible Three

Ann M. Martin · 1987

Both explore family & divorce

70% genome match

Sarah, plain and tall

Patricia MacLachlan · 1985

Both explore family & loneliness

66% genome match

Almost Alice

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor · 2008

Both explore growing up & family

68% genome match

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

Judy Blume · 1970

Both explore family & growing up

63% genome match

The Silver Sword

Ian Serraillier · 1956

Both explore family

61% genome match

Doll's House

Rumer Godden · 1948

Both explore family

63% genome match

The Classic Tale of the Velveteen Rabbit

Margery Williams Bianco · 1900

Same ya feel

60% genome match

The Turtle

Cynthia Rylant · 2005

Both explore loneliness

62% genome match

Dear nobody

Berlie Doherty · 1991

Both explore growing up

62% genome match