Beverly Cleary

About

Beverly Cleary was a renowned American author, born on April 12, 1916, in McMinnville, Oregon. She spent her early years on a farm in Yamhill before moving to Portland. Cleary's love for books was fostered by her mother, who acted as a librarian in their small town. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and later attended the University of Washington's librarianship program. Her career as a children's librarian in Yakima, Washington, inspired her to write stories about relatable characters. Cleary published her first book, Henry Huggins, in 1950, followed by the beloved Ramona series. Her writing focused on everyday childhood experiences, addressing themes like bullying and divorce. Cleary's characters, such as Ramona Quimby and Ralph S. Mouse, became iconic figures in children's literature. She received numerous awards, including the Newbery Medal and the National Medal of Arts. Cleary's stories have sold millions of copies and remain popular today, capturing the essence of childhood with humor and authenticity. She passed away on March 25, 2021, at the age of 104.