If you hear “Beezus” and immediately think of “Ramona,” then you likely had an exceptional childhood filled with captivating reads. On April 12, one of the most celebrated authors in children’s literature will be marking her 100th birthday. That author is Beverly Cleary, a name that resonates with anyone who spent their Saturday afternoons in the ‘70s and ‘80s scouring library shelves.
Beverly Cleary is the reason I pursued a career as a librarian; she, too, walked that path. From a young age, it was evident that she possessed a remarkable talent for storytelling. In fact, she fondly recalls her early school days, when her teacher praised her first story as flawless, requiring no revisions—a true testament to her innate writing ability.
In 1949, Cleary decided to sit down at her typewriter to pen her first book. She envisioned a grand narrative about “the maturing of a sensitive female.” However, inspiration struck differently when she remembered a boy from her library days who had asked, “Where are the books about kids like us?” This memory led her to type the iconic opening line: “Henry Huggins was in the third grade.”
Her ability to delve into the minds of children and narrate their experiences was groundbreaking. The characters she created, particularly Beezus Quimby and her spirited little sister, Ramona, shattered the traditional mold of female characters in literature. Ramona was not your typical shy little girl; she was bold, imaginative, and full of life. She represented countless girls who spent lazy afternoons lost in stories, bringing to life the adventures of a character who could hold her own in any narrative.
Cleary continued to enchant readers with a host of beloved characters, including Henry Huggins, Socks the Cat, and Ellen Tebbits. Her literary achievements include receiving the prestigious Newbery Medal in 1984 for her book Dear Mr. Henshaw, which explores the correspondence between a sixth-grade boy and his favorite author. Cleary’s accolades extend to being named a Library of Congress Living Legend and receiving the National Medal of Arts, among many others.
To this day, I attribute my profound love for reading to Beverly Cleary’s enchanting stories. Her books have sold nearly 100 million copies, igniting a passion for literature in generations of young readers, including my own children.
This month, we join in celebrating D.E.A.R. Day, a nationwide initiative encouraging reading across all ages, aligned with Beverly Cleary’s birthday on April 12. It’s a delightful reminder to prioritize reading in our lives.
Thank you, Beverly Cleary, for being an indelible voice in children’s literature and for gifting us with cherished literary friends. Your stories have filled our childhoods with imagination and inspiration, and we hope your words continue to resonate with new generations of readers.
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In summary, Beverly Cleary’s impact on children’s literature is profound and lasting. Her characters not only entertained us but also empowered us to embrace our uniqueness. Her legacy will live on through the countless readers she has inspired.
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