31 - Oregon, Beverly Cleary
One of my most favorite authors of my youth, a centenarian at 103 years old, Beverly Cleary.
Oregon was the 25th state to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment on January 13, 1920.
Ms. Cleary’s children’s and young adult books sold worldwide more than 91 million copies since 1950. As a pioneer in children’s literature, she brought emotional realism to her characters. Well awarded with top honors throughout her career, she also is the namesake of a Portland public school and statues of her characters in Grant Park in 1995.
As a young student, she struggled to read and was placed in remedial groups until opening up with the help of the librarian. This person’s care inspired Ms. Cleary to receive a Master’s from the University of Washington for library sciences.
Her first book, Henry Huggins, with his dog and two friends Ramona and Beezus, shared ordinary stories of neighborhood growing up. Five years later she focused on Ramona and Beezus. She has also written two memoirs later in her career. The stories are noted for their attention to the minutiae of childhood. The books entertain and give insight into life for the young readers. The respect for each other and balance of having fun without making fun makes readers feel safe. At the time they were written, they were revolutionary for youth throughout the country. If anyone in the world was to be a centenarian, happy it is her. She is 103!
Why this woman?
Ramona and Beezus were cherished characters of mine growing up. I read them all over and over. I felt connections to their lifestyle and relationship of Ramona to her older sister. I still vividly remember points of the books, simple though they seemed. Ramona squishing an entire tube of toothpaste in the sink!
When I was a kid, I dreamed of getting mail. My mom told me if I wanted to get mail, I had to write letters. So I wrote to Beverly Cleary. I was thrilled to receive a letter back, as generic as it may have been. Her beautifully perfect signature on her staple letter was a treasure for years. I was connected to someone in my mind was famous. She took a few minutes of her day to read my letter. This was pre-email, so the anticipation of a letter with my address on it was priceless.
Reading was a given to me. I remember when I started to read longer books than just picture books. We had some staple books around with fables and series. Books were, and still are, stacked along long rows of books shelves throughout all our homes. These books were my first series that I cherished. Every new novel was immediately devoured.
Librarians are also an unsung hero that are not recognized for their accomplishments. I did a lecture series at our Central Library, and once the 6-part series was announced, they came to the kick off session with a full book list inspired by the series topic. I was floored! Their passion tore through and they offered depth to the attendees. I loved their contribution! The love of learning and the written perspective is enlightening. They bring access to knowledge to people, freely.
Oregon was the 25th state to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment on January 13, 1920.
Ms. Cleary’s children’s and young adult books sold worldwide more than 91 million copies since 1950. As a pioneer in children’s literature, she brought emotional realism to her characters. Well awarded with top honors throughout her career, she also is the namesake of a Portland public school and statues of her characters in Grant Park in 1995.
As a young student, she struggled to read and was placed in remedial groups until opening up with the help of the librarian. This person’s care inspired Ms. Cleary to receive a Master’s from the University of Washington for library sciences.
Her first book, Henry Huggins, with his dog and two friends Ramona and Beezus, shared ordinary stories of neighborhood growing up. Five years later she focused on Ramona and Beezus. She has also written two memoirs later in her career. The stories are noted for their attention to the minutiae of childhood. The books entertain and give insight into life for the young readers. The respect for each other and balance of having fun without making fun makes readers feel safe. At the time they were written, they were revolutionary for youth throughout the country. If anyone in the world was to be a centenarian, happy it is her. She is 103!
Why this woman?
Ramona and Beezus were cherished characters of mine growing up. I read them all over and over. I felt connections to their lifestyle and relationship of Ramona to her older sister. I still vividly remember points of the books, simple though they seemed. Ramona squishing an entire tube of toothpaste in the sink!
When I was a kid, I dreamed of getting mail. My mom told me if I wanted to get mail, I had to write letters. So I wrote to Beverly Cleary. I was thrilled to receive a letter back, as generic as it may have been. Her beautifully perfect signature on her staple letter was a treasure for years. I was connected to someone in my mind was famous. She took a few minutes of her day to read my letter. This was pre-email, so the anticipation of a letter with my address on it was priceless.
Reading was a given to me. I remember when I started to read longer books than just picture books. We had some staple books around with fables and series. Books were, and still are, stacked along long rows of books shelves throughout all our homes. These books were my first series that I cherished. Every new novel was immediately devoured.
Librarians are also an unsung hero that are not recognized for their accomplishments. I did a lecture series at our Central Library, and once the 6-part series was announced, they came to the kick off session with a full book list inspired by the series topic. I was floored! Their passion tore through and they offered depth to the attendees. I loved their contribution! The love of learning and the written perspective is enlightening. They bring access to knowledge to people, freely.
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