Beverly Cleary began her love for reading at the age of 6 when her mother set up a small-town library in Oregon. But despite her inquisitive mind, young Cleary found it difficult to make a connection with many of the characters she was reading. Later in life, as a librarian by trade and throughout her education, she saw the struggles that other young readers were having. They also had trouble relating to the characters they were reading about, thus making the experience unenjoyable.
Cleary’s first book, Henry Huggins, a collection of stories that she remembered from her own life, published in 1950. This series became an instant hit for young readers. The mysteries and adventures were written based on everyday problems that children could solve through their own point of view.
From that series, the character Ramona Quimby was introduced through a small role playing the younger sister of Henry’s friend Beezus. Beezus and Ramona were eventually given their own book in 1955. Children were intrigued by Ramona in particular and she became an instant sensation in 1968 with Ramona the Pest. Ramona went on to be one of Cleary’s most beloved and well-known characters.
Cleary’s inspiration for writing books came from recollections of her childhood days and she received countless awards and honors for her work. Ramona and Her Father and Ramona Quimby, Age 8 were recognized with the Newbery Honor. She also received the 1984 John Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw. In honor of her literary contributions, the D.E.A.R. program (Drop Everything and Read), is celebrated nationwide on April 12th, Cleary’s birthday.
While her juvenile titles were her most popular, Cleary also wrote in the young adult category. In the novels Fifteen, The Luckiest Girl, and Sister of the Bride Cleary wrote about the problems facing teenage girls.
At her passing, Beverly Cleary was 104 years old. WNBA Member favorites of Cleary’s books include The Mouse and the Motorcycle, A Girl from Yamhill, Ramona the Pest, Ramona the Brave, Ramona Quimby, Age 8, Ellen Tebbits, and Dear Mr. Henshaw.
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