If you hear “Beezus” and immediately think of “Ramona,” then you know just how remarkable your childhood reading was.
On April 12, an iconic figure in children’s literature will celebrate her 100th birthday. Her name? Beverly Cleary. If you spent your weekends in the ’70s and ’80s poring over books at your local library, you’re likely well-acquainted with her work.
Beverly Cleary inspired my journey to become a librarian, and in a delightful twist, she was a librarian herself. From a young age, it was evident that she had a knack for storytelling. She fondly recalls a moment in elementary school when she penned her first story, and her teacher declared it perfect—no revisions necessary. That was the moment a writer came to life.
In 1949, when Cleary finally decided to put her fingers to the typewriter, she envisioned crafting a grand tale about a sensitive girl coming of age. However, inspiration struck differently. She remembered a young boy she had assisted at the library, who asked her, “Where are the books about kids like us?” This led to the opening line of her debut book: “Henry Huggins was in the third grade.”
Cleary possessed a unique ability to tap into the thoughts and feelings of children, presenting their experiences in a refreshing way that had yet to be seen in literature. Her groundbreaking female characters shattered the mold of how girls were typically portrayed. Enter Beezus Quimby and her exuberant sister, Ramona.
With her fearless, imaginative spirit, Ramona was a trailblazer—a character who resonated deeply with young readers, including myself. She was the first girl in a book that I encountered who could not only hold her own but also carry the entire narrative.
Cleary continued to enchant readers with a host of other beloved characters, like Henry Huggins, Socks the Cat, Ellen Tebbits, Muggie Maggie, and even the adventurous Ralph S. Mouse. A highlight of her illustrious career came when she won the 1984 Newbery Medal, the pinnacle of recognition in children’s literature, for her book Dear Mr. Henshaw. This poignant novel explores the correspondence between a sixth-grade boy and his favorite author. Additionally, she has been honored as a Library of Congress Living Legend, received a National Medal of Arts, and amassed numerous other accolades.
To this day, I attribute my love of reading to Beverly Cleary’s enchanting stories, which have sold nearly 100 million copies and inspired countless generations, including my own children.
This month, we join the nation in honoring D.E.A.R. Day, a month-long celebration of reading encouraging individuals of all ages to prioritize literature in their lives. This event takes place on April 12, in tribute to Beverly Cleary’s birthday.
Thank you, Beverly Cleary, for being a remarkable voice for children, for gifting me my childhood literary companions, and for filling my formative years with imagination, adventure, and inspiration. Here’s to many more generations enjoying your timeless tales.
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