What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

I read this between 1996 and 2003. I remember the cover of the book featured the boy's room with a writing desk with a pencil and paper on it on the left hand side of the room and maybe the bed spread was red? Or maybe the pencil and paper was the whole cover.

I remember writing was central to the plot (either he enjoyed writing or he learns to enjoy it through an influential teacher).

I think he also relocated to a new school or possibly lost a parent as the reason for the relocation.

Possiblly also took place in California.

Probably not it, but my first thought was Dear Mr. Henshaw

Jessica (The Psychotic Nerd) wrote: "Probably not it, but my first thought was Dear Mr. Henshaw"

Yessss!! this is it! Thank you so much, not being able to remember this book was killing me. I love this forum!

I knew there was something about running in it as well but couldn't remember enough to put in the original description.

Well there's actually a sequel called Strider, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6..., in which the main character starts running with his dog and joins his school's track team.