#5 in Henry Huggins Series
Henry and the Clubhouse
What’s inside...
Fiery Ramona Quimby and the well-meaning Henry Huggins may clash, but in this delightful and hilariously told novel by Newbery Medal-winning author Beverly Cleary, an unlikely compromise wins the day.
Henry and his friends are building a no-girls-allowed clubhouse. With a private space of their own away from everyone else—and even a top secret entry password—they're all thrilled with their boy fort. But Henry's about to find out that nothing—not even a sign—will keep gutsy Ramona out of their clubhouse…and her retaliation may just ruin Henry's newspaper career.
Discussion points
How did Henry show his determination when building the clubhouse and handling challenges?
What does Henry’s friendship with Ribsy teach us about loyalty and companionship?
How do the different characters in the book help Henry in achieving his goals, and what does that tell us about teamwork?
What can we learn from Henry's interactions with his parents and friends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with friendships to Henry's, discussing any similarities or differences.
Ask your child to think about a time when they worked on a project like Henry and how they felt about it.
Pose questions that connect the themes of determination and teamwork to your child’s day-to-day activities, such as school projects or sports teams.
Highlight the importance of understanding and compassion among friends, drawing parallels to Henry and Ribsy’s relationship.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Henry Huggins undertakes the task of delivering newspapers and must learn to manage his duties efficiently.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by taking on small tasks at home or school, learning accountability and time management.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Henry encounters various challenges, such as handling a difficult clubhouse member, which he navigates using critical thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to approach problems thoughtfully and find innovative solutions, a skill vital in everyday decision-making.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: Henry's interactions and relationships with his neighbors play a central role, emphasizing community involvement.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of participating in community activities and building positive relationships with neighbors.
Example Lesson: Handling Disagreements
Explanation: The story showcases constructive ways to handle disagreements within Henry's circle of friends, especially in the clubhouse dynamics.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully and respectfully.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Henry shows determination in the face of setbacks, whether in his newspaper route or personal projects.
Real-World Application: It imparts the importance of persistence and not giving up easily, encouraging children to continue striving towards their goals despite obstacles.