<P> The Book of Henry is a 2017 American drama film directed by Colin Trevorrow and written by Gregg Hurwitz . The film stars Naomi Watts, Jaeden Lieberher, Jacob Tremblay, Sarah Silverman, Lee Pace, Maddie Ziegler, and Dean Norris . The story concerns a plan hatched by a young genius to save the girl next door from abuse . </P> <P> The film premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival on June 14, 2017 . It was released in theaters by Focus Features on June 16, 2017, and received generally negative reviews from critics, mostly focused on the film's plot twists and tonal shifts, and Trevorrow's direction, although the cast received some praise . </P> <P> In a small suburban town in the Hudson Valley, 11 - year - old boy genius Henry Carpenter and his younger brother Peter are being raised by their single mother Susan, a waitress who is working on writing children's picture books . Henry has used his intellect to invest successfully in the stock market, building up a very substantial nest egg for his family . Henry also protects Peter from a school bully and builds Rube Goldberg machines in their tree house . Henry and Susan are both fond of their next - door neighbor (and Henry's classmate), Christina Sickleman, who has recently become glum . </P> <P> Henry sees Christina being abused by her stepfather, Glenn, the local police commissioner . Henry reports the abuse to social services and the school principal, Janice Wilder, but Glenn has connections throughout the local government, and Wilder is reluctant to challenge the commissioner without "conclusive evidence". Henry is unable to get the authorities to launch a serious investigation that would protect Christina . Henry tells his mother that when someone is in trouble, those who can help must take action . He develops a detailed plan to rescue Christina that he memorializes in a notebook . After a violent seizure, Henry is taken to the hospital, where he is diagnosed with a brain tumor and undergoes surgery . Anticipating his death, he tells Peter to give Susan the notebook . Days later, Henry dies in Susan's arms in the hospital . </P>

Where did the book of henry take place