# Beverly Cleary

> American writer of children's books (1916–2021)

**Wikidata**: [Q1316719](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1316719)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beverly_Cleary)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/beverly-cleary

## Summary
Beverly Cleary was an American writer of children's books (1916–2021). She is best known for her beloved series *Ramona Quimby, Age 8*, which became a cornerstone of children's literature and won multiple awards, including the Newbery Medal.

## Biography
- **Born**: April 12, 1916, in Portland, Oregon, United States
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Education**:
  - Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Washington (1938)
  - Master of Arts in English from the University of California, Berkeley (1939)
- **Known for**: Creating the *Ramona Quimby* series, a beloved children's book franchise
- **Employer(s)**:
  - University of Washington (educator)
  - University of California, Berkeley (educator)
- **Field(s)**: Children's literature, writing

## Contributions
- **Ramona Quimby, Age 8** (1973): A groundbreaking children's book series that became a cultural phenomenon, winning the Newbery Medal in 1974 and inspiring generations of readers.
- **Other Notable Works**:
  - *Henry Huggins* (1967)
  - *The Mouse and the Motorcycle* (1969)
  - *Dear Mr. Henshaw* (1971)
  - *Beezus and Ramona* (1974)
  - *Ramona Forever* (1989)
- **Awards**:
  - National Medal of Arts (1999)
  - Newbery Medal (1974)
  - Library of Congress Living Legend (2000)
  - Children's Literature Legacy Award (1989)
  - National Book Award (1974)
  - Golden Kite Award (1973)

## FAQs
- **Where did Beverly Cleary work?** She taught English at the University of Washington and the University of California, Berkeley.
- **What was Beverly Cleary's most famous book?** Her most famous work is the *Ramona Quimby, Age 8* series.
- **What awards did Beverly Cleary receive?** She won the National Medal of Arts, Newbery Medal, Library of Congress Living Legend Award, Children's Literature Legacy Award, National Book Award, and Golden Kite Award.
- **When did Beverly Cleary pass away?** She died on March 25, 2021.

## Why They Matter
Beverly Cleary's *Ramona Quimby* series redefined children's literature by blending humor, realism, and relatable themes. Her books became a staple in classrooms and libraries, shaping the way children's literature is written and read. Her work influenced generations of writers and readers, leaving a lasting legacy in children's literature.

## Notable For
- **Newbery Medal Winner** (1974) for *Ramona Quimby, Age 8*
- **National Medal of Arts Recipient** (1999)
- **Library of Congress Living Legend** (2000)
- **Children's Literature Legacy Award Winner** (1989)
- **National Book Award Winner** (1974)
- **Golden Kite Award Winner** (1973)

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Beverly Cleary was born on April 12, 1916, in Portland, Oregon. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Washington in 1938 and her Master of Arts in English from the University of California, Berkeley in 1939. Her academic background laid the foundation for her future career in writing.

### Career and Writing
Cleary began her writing career in the 1930s, publishing her first book, *Ramona Quimby, Age 8*, in 1973. The series became an instant success, winning the Newbery Medal in 1974 and becoming a cultural phenomenon. Her books were known for their humor, realism, and relatable themes, making them beloved by children and adults alike.

### Notable Works
- **Ramona Quimby, Age 8** (1973): The first book in the series, which won the Newbery Medal and inspired a generation of readers.
- **Henry Huggins** (1967): A book about a young boy who loves to draw and his adventures.
- **The Mouse and the Motorcycle** (1969): A story about a mouse who dreams of riding a motorcycle.
- **Dear Mr. Henshaw** (1971): A book about a young girl who writes letters to her teacher.
- **Beezus and Ramona** (1974): A sequel to *Ramona Quimby, Age 8*, continuing the adventures of the Quimby sisters.
- **Ramona Forever** (1989): The final book in the *Ramona Quimby* series, marking the end of the beloved characters.

### Awards and Recognition
Cleary received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the National Medal of Arts, Newbery Medal, Library of Congress Living Legend Award, Children's Literature Legacy Award, National Book Award, and Golden Kite Award. Her contributions to children's literature were widely recognized and celebrated.

### Legacy
Beverly Cleary's work left a lasting impact on children's literature, inspiring generations of writers and readers. Her books remain popular and are studied in schools and libraries worldwide. Her legacy continues to influence the way children's literature is written and read, ensuring her place as a pioneer in the field.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. datos.bne.es
4. Czech National Authority Database
5. American Women Writers
6. [Dear Mr. Henshaw. Association for Library Service to Children](https://alsc-awards-shelf.org/book/265/dear-mr-henshaw)
7. [Beverly Cleary - Living Legends. Library of Congress](https://www.loc.gov/about/awards-and-honors/living-legends/beverly-cleary/)
8. Library of Congress to Honor "Living Legends"
9. [Source](https://www.nationalbook.org/books/ramona-and-her-mother/)
10. International Standard Name Identifier
11. CiNii Research
12. [Source](https://opac.sbn.it/risultati-ricerca-avanzata?item:5032:BID=RAVV035412)
13. MusicBrainz
14. SNAC
15. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
16. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
17. [Beverly Cleary, beloved author who chronicled schoolyard scrapes and feisty kids, dies at 104. 2021](https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/beverly-cleary-dead/2021/03/26/afee8588-0aed-11e6-a6b6-2e6de3695b0e_story.html)
18. [Children's author Beverly Cleary, creator of Ramona Quimby, dies at age 104. 2021](https://edition.cnn.com/2021/03/26/us/beverly-cleary-dies-childrens-author/index.html)
19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
20. Open Library
21. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb11897001k)
22. CONOR.SI
23. Goodreads