Why was Dear Mr. Henshaw a Newberry Award winner?

I actually think that the praise heaped upon the book is
due in large part to how it handled the issue of divorce.  In 1983, the reality of
divorce was growing and there was not a clear social understanding of it.  The book does
a great job in handling it from a realistic point of view.  Leigh understands that while
he might wish for his parents to remarry, they won't.  Through his letters, the author
displays the idea that kids have to be able to understand what they can do about their
lot in life and what has to be accepted for what it is.  At the time, children from
divorced settings were viewed as "different."  The book does a very commendable job in
handling the issue with sensitivity and grace, remaking a social issue that was seen as
somewhat "taboo" and making it relevant to young people.  It is difficult to imagine
this in the modern setting, when there is little, if no, stigma associated with
divorce.  This might be one of the reasons why the book was honored with the Newberry
Award.