Notes

This book is set in the suburbs of New Zealand, and seen through the eyes of 12 year old, it examines the present day social world of separated parents. When Henry is assigned wealthy, motherless Lesley as a pen pal, his desire for riches ties into his wish to marry off his divorced mother. The two are soon plotting a match, but Henry does not know Lesley is a girl. The ill-matched parents have a hilarious meeting, and Henry finally discovers Lesley’s true identity. Henry’s relationships with his mother and father provide a bit of humour and a touch of sensitivity.