Beezus and Ramona

When Beverly Cleary died in March 2021 at the age of 104, readers across the country, spanning several generations, mourned the passing of one of the greatest American authors of the 20th century. As someone who struggled to read in elementary school but became a prolific author and a champion of literacy, Cleary created works that are cherished parts of the American children’s literature canon. Cleary authored more than 40 books that have sold more than 91 million copies and won a Newberry Medal and a National Book Award. Annually, children celebrate Cleary’s birthday on April 12 by practicing DEAR—drop everything and read—and an elementary school was named after her in her beloved hometown of Portland, Oregon (www.beverlycleary.com). Cleary is best remembered for the unforgettable characters she created in the overlapping, interconnected world of her novels. Chronicling the everyday lives of children and their families, her works take place in an energetic world centered on children’s thoughts and actions. For many American children since the 1950s, reading her books has been an integral part of the early reading experience. Since they are often passed on to children from parents, her books represent a rite of passage in children’s literacy journeys and a connecting point for families.