The Real Diary of a Real Boy by Henry A. Shute is a humorous, semi-autobiographical novel that captures the daily life of an exuberant and mischievous eleven-year-old boy in 1860s New England. Written as a fictional diary, the book provides a vivid, nostalgic look at childhood through the lens of Henry's playful antics, friendships, and the misadventures that shape his days. Shute's narrative style brings humor and warmth to the everyday events of a small-town boy's life, making it a timeless and entertaining read.