Beverly Cleary (1916-2021) was one of America's most beloved and successful authors of children's books. After struggling with reading and writing as a child, Cleary spent much time in her public library in Portland, Oregon where she found her skills have greatly improved. Inspired to write books that children could relate to, she based her funny stories on her own neighborhood experiences and the sort of children she knew. And so, the Klickitat Street gang was born! Mrs. Cleary's books have earned her many prestigious awards, including the American Library Association's Laura Ingalls Award, presented to her in recognition of her lasting contribution to children's literature. Dear Mr. Henshaw won the Newbery Medal, and Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and Ramona and Her Father have been named Newbery Honor Books. Her famous characters like Beezus and Ramona Quimby, Henry Huggins, and Ralph, the motorcycle-riding mouse, have delighted children for generations.
