Henry and the Paper Route
#4 of 6 in Henry Huggins Series
What’s inside...
Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary gives readers a hero they'll relate to and root for in this comical and inspiring novel about Henry Huggins's mission to prove himself worthy of his very own paper route. Despite not being eleven yet and thus being denied a paper route by Mr. Capper, Henry tries everything he can think of to demonstrate his maturity and responsibility. His efforts range from offering free kittens to new subscribers to hauling hundreds of pounds of old newspapers for his school's paper drive. In the end, it may be the irrepressible Ramona Quimby who convinces Mr. Capper of Henry's capabilities.
Character compass
Henry Huggins
Mr. Capper
Ramona Quimby
Scooter Mccarthy
Discussion points
What challenges did Henry face while trying to get his paper route, and how did he overcome them?
How did the character of Ramona make Henry’s job more interesting? Can you think of a similar situation where someone unexpected added something unique to your experience?
In what ways did Henry show responsibility throughout the book?
Why do you think teamwork was important in this story?
How would you handle the situations that Henry faced if you were in his shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Prompt your child to relate Henry's experiences with their own, drawing parallels to highlight everyday responsibilities and challenges.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and hard work as depicted in the novel, and ask your child for examples of their own perseverance in accomplishing tasks.
Engage in a conversation about problem-solving by discussing specific scenarios in the book where Henry had to think on his feet to resolve issues.
Highlight the interactions between different characters and ask your child how they think these relationships impacted the story’s outcome.
Encourage your child to discuss how they would feel and react in similar situations to those faced by Henry to build empathy and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Henry Huggins takes on the challenge of managing a paper route, demonstrating diligence and accountability. He commits to delivering newspapers regardless of the obstacles he faces.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to undertake their own responsibilities, be it homework, chores, or maintaining their belongings, showing commitment and reliability in daily tasks.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Henry encounters various problems, like managing a lost cat while on his route. He uses quick thinking and resourcefulness to solve these issues.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively and independently when facing their own challenges, whether in their academic or personal life.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Henry experiences several setbacks in his quest to secure a paper route, but he does not give up. His persistence is eventually rewarded.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to persist through difficulties in pursuit of their goals, understanding that not every effort yields immediate success but consistency is key.
Example Lesson: Financial Literacy
Explanation: Henry learns to manage the financial aspects of his paper route, which includes budgeting and managing earnings.
Real-World Application: This provides a fundamental understanding for children about money management and the value of earning and saving.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through interactions with customers and his peers, Henry develops a deeper understanding of other people’s feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of considering others' emotions and viewpoints, fostering better relationships and social understanding.