Beverly Jaegers

Beverly Cleary, born Beverly Atlee Bunn in 1916, was an American writer primarily known for her children's and young adult fiction. With over 91 million copies of her books sold globally, she became one of the nation's most successful authors. Her stories often featured beloved characters like Ramona Quimby, Beezus Quimby, and Henry Huggins, and were frequently set in the Grant Park neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, where she spent her childhood. Cleary was recognized for her ability to capture the emotional realities of her young characters, often from middle-class families, a groundbreaking approach for children's literature at the time. Her career was marked by numerous accolades, including the National Book Award and the Newbery Medal, and she was honored with the National Medal of Arts and recognized as a Library of Congress Living Legend. Cleary passed away in 2021 at the age of 104.

Born in McMinnville, Oregon, Beverly Atlee Bunn spent her early years on a farm before her family relocated to Portland. She experienced initial difficulties with reading and adjusting to city life, but a pivotal moment occurred in third grade when she discovered a book that sparked her love for reading. This led her to pursue a career as a children's librarian. Cleary attended Chaffey Junior College and later the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned a degree in English. She continued her education at the University of Washington, obtaining a degree in library science. While working as a librarian, she met her future husband, Clarence Cleary, whom she married in 1940. The couple later had twins and settled in California.

Cleary's career as a writer was significantly influenced by her experiences as a children's librarian. She observed children's struggles to find relatable characters in literature and felt a calling to create stories that resonated with them. Her debut book, "Henry Huggins," published in 1950, introduced readers to characters and settings inspired by her own childhood and the children she encountered. Cleary's writing is distinguished by its authentic portrayal of everyday childhood experiences, focusing on the emotional lives and ordinary challenges faced by middle-class children. Her use of humor and realistic dialogue allowed her to connect deeply with young readers and adults alike, making her stories enduringly popular.

Throughout her prolific career, Beverly Cleary received numerous prestigious awards for her contributions to literature. She was honored with the Newbery Medal for "Dear Mr. Henshaw" and the National Book Award for "Ramona and Her Mother." Her lifetime achievements were further recognized with the National Medal of Arts and designation as a Library of Congress Living Legend. Her impact on children's literature is evident in the lasting popularity of her characters and the millions of books sold worldwide. A public school in Portland was named in her honor, and statues of her characters were erected in a park, cementing her legacy as a beloved and influential author.

“The first grade was sorted into three reading groups—Bluebirds, Redbirds and Blackbirds. I was a Blackbird. To be a Blackbird was to be disgraced. I wanted to read, but somehow could not.”

“I believe in that 'missionary spirit' among children's librarians. Kids deserve books of literary quality, and librarians are so important in encouraging them to read and selecting books that are appropriate.”

“I've had an exceptionally happy career.”