Unfortunately, on March 25 of 2021, it was revealed that the beloved children’s book author Beverly Cleary had passed away in California at 104 years old. Cleary was the author of famous novels “Beezus and Ramona” as well as “Henry Huggins.” Although Cleary is no longer alive, she has left a legacy that will be remembered for many years to come.

Initially, Beverly Cleary did not have a love for reading, and only realized her dream of becoming a writer after reading “The Dutch Twins” by Lucy Fitch Perkins in the third grade. Constantly reading, she was usually found at the library. The school librarian soon suggested to Cleary that she become a children’s author when she grows up, and the idea stuck with her. She then enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley and later at the University of Washington to earn her degree in library science. Many years later, Cleary was able to publish her first novel, “Henry Huggins.” Throughout the years, she has written countless books and won numerous prestigious awards to account for them.

Cleary has always shown extreme loyalty and love to her audience of child readers. Her books were a reflection of her own childhood and all the emotions that she underwent herself at the time. Born in Oregon herself, it naturally became the setting for most of her novels. Cleary’s work was created to bring joy to all children throughout their childhood and told the joyful as well as embarrassing or sad moments of childhood. Even the Library of Congress recognized her abilities in 2000 and named her a “Living Legend.” Beverly Cleary was also dedicated to her fans and answered all her fan mail herself, and even gained inspiration from her young readers.

The author is known for her honesty and charm and is even looked up to by other iconic authors such as Judy Blume. For context, Blume is another iconic author who wrote books about childhood as well, and among her most famous works are Superfudge and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Cleary has shaped the childhood of a multitude of individuals through numerous generations and has always remained humble through it all.

Through her iconic novels, Cleary has taught children to get through the tough times and even find ways to laugh through them. She truly wanted her audience to enjoy not just her books, but to find happiness and understand the value of reading as she did when she was younger. Cleary also inspired/encouraged others to write and offered advice to many readers throughout her career.

Although Cleary is no longer on this Earth, she has impacted and started the love of reading for many. She truly understood the hearts and minds of children, and this is reflected in her writing. Beverly Cleary was a phenomenal individual whose work has left a lasting mark on society.

Quotes by Beverly Cleary:

“I hope children will be happy with the books I've written, and go on to be readers all of their lives.”

“One rainy Sunday when I was in the third grade, I picked up a book to look at the pictures and discovered that even though I did not want to, I was reading. I have been a reader ever since.”

“If you don't see the book you want on the shelves, write it.”

“I just wrote about childhood as I had known it.”