The Impact of Beverly Cleary on My Journey as a ‘Late Reader’

My sister was reading fluently by the age of four, and my parents couldn’t stop talking about it. They would share stories with friends about how one day she just picked up a book and began reading. I was so tired of hearing that tale that I would often leave the room in frustration.

In contrast, I struggled with reading. Looking back, I realize now that I likely had dyslexia. I found reading aloud to be daunting, often stumbled over longer words, and at times would even write and read backwards. Even today, when confronted with a lengthy word, I tend to zone out after just a couple of syllables.

While my friends floated through reading with ease, I found it to be an uphill battle. Even when I try to learn something new, like knitting, I often do it backwards — it’s just how my brain works.

Everything changed when I discovered Beverly Cleary’s book, Ramona Quimby, Age 8. It was during the latter part of second grade, and for the first time, I was reading something that didn’t overwhelm me. I remember skimming over some words, but I was no longer confined to graphic novels.

My sister had a whole collection of Beverly Cleary’s works neatly arranged on her shelf — the only tidy area in our shared room. I wasn’t allowed to touch those books, as she had cherished them for years.

After sneaking that first book, my perspective on my sister’s collection changed. I was eager to read more of Cleary’s stories, but instead of borrowing from her, I began checking them out from our local library. The library offered a wider selection, turning our weekly visits into something I looked forward to.

Reading became more enjoyable when I wasn’t hiding under the sheets with a flashlight, worried that my sister would take the book from me. Those vibrant covers and lively titles felt inviting. I connected with Ramona and her relatable family dynamics — with her father, mother, and sister, Beezus. The stories drew me in, allowing me to feel emotions I had never experienced through reading before.

At times, Ramona would get on my nerves, but the realization that I was feeling something while reading was a new and thrilling experience. This was my gateway. For months, I hesitated to explore other authors, fearing they wouldn’t compare to Beverly Cleary. I didn’t want to miss the joy of reading outside on our hammock, even as my younger sisters begged me to help make applesauce from fallen apples.

I often wonder: If I hadn’t picked up a Beverly Cleary book, would I have ever become a reader? It’s easy to doubt yourself after hearing about your reading struggles repeatedly from teachers. What if I had overlooked her iconic works? Would another author have inspired me the way Beverly Cleary did?

Her books did something extraordinary for me: they were entertaining, relatable, and straightforward. They ignited a spark within me, making me realize that perhaps I could write too — after all, I loved storytelling.

When I learned of Cleary’s passing, it felt like a personal loss. It made me reflect on how different my life could have been without her influence. Although she may be gone, the gifts she imparted through her writing will forever remain. The impact of her work is invaluable, and I know I’m just one of countless readers she touched.

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Summary

Beverly Cleary’s books transformed my perception of reading during my struggles as a late reader. Her relatable characters and engaging stories sparked my love for literature, ultimately encouraging me to embrace writing. Her passing was a profound loss that made me reflect on the significant impact she had on my life and the lives of many others.

Keyphrase: Beverly Cleary’s impact on late readers

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