Tag Archives: beverly cleary

Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary

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Ramona and Her Father is a Newbery Honor-award winning book by Beverly Cleary. The story is about a seven-year-old girl named Ramona Quimby. Ramona loves spending time with her father. He buys her gifts and enjoys taking his family out to eat on every payday. However, everything changes when Ramona’s father loses his job. Ramona needs to cope with her family’s financial struggles and her father’s emotional turmoil. Throughout the book, Ramona tries to understand the complexities of adult problems while dealing with her own personal challenges.

This is a short book, but I enjoyed it very much. The characters, and the challenges they go though, are surprisingly realistic. Ramona is particularly likable in this book, as she is in many other Beverly Cleary books. This story is quite enjoyable and I think it could even be considered inspiring. It warns of the dangers of addiction but also teaches how to respond to difficult situations. I appreciate Ramona’s childlike perspective on financial hardship and emotional struggles, and her sincere efforts to make things better for her family.

I enjoyed this book so much that I read it in almost one sitting. I was captivated by the way this book addressed real-life problems from the perspective of an innocent child. Ramona gets into trouble sometimes but she has good intentions. Many things happen in the story that are quite amusing and entertaining, which is typical of Beverly Cleary’s books. This is a charming book and I would definitely recommend it to readers of all ages.

Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary

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Dear Mr. Henshaw is a short novel by Beverly Cleary. An eleven-year-old boy named Leigh Botts lives with his mother in a tiny house that used to be someone’s summer cottage. Ever since second grade, Leigh had written letters to an author named Mr. Henshaw every year. Finally, Mr. Henshaw writes back to Leigh and asks him a series of questions. This book is a compilation of Leigh’s letters to Mr. Henshaw, along with excerpts from Leigh’s personal journal.

Leigh’s letters to Mr. Henshaw reveal many personal challenges. Leigh’s parents are divorced, and his father is negligent. Leigh is also struggling to fit in at his new school. Among other problems, someone is stealing Leigh’s school lunch. To make matters even worse, Leigh finds out that his dog had disappeared during a snowstorm. Leigh blames his father for this loss, and does not know if he can ever forgive his father for his negligence.

This book deals with many difficult topics. I was surprised by the subject matter of this book because Beverly Cleary’s books usually have a light-hearted and playful storyline and tone. On the other hand, this book has a somber tone overall. It deals with weighty issues that may be difficult for some people to read about. However, I feel that the author dealt with these issues very well. This book is very realistic and well-written. Many people can relate to the challenges that Leigh is coping with, and I appreciate the tender and bittersweet emotions that are conveyed in this book. The book is well-deserving of the Newbery Award and I would recommend it to almost anyone, with a warning that it deals with sensitive issues.

Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary is available to check out from the Mission Viejo Library. It is also available to download for free from Libby.

Authors We Love: Beverly Cleary

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Beverly Cleary is one of my favorite authors.  She has written many short fiction books, most of which are set in an American town during the middle of the twentieth century.  Her works include Henry Huggins, Beezus and Ramona, and Otis Spofford.  Her books are among my favorites because they are easy to read and they contain many amusing stories.

I really enjoy reading Henry Huggins.  This book is about a boy named Henry who finds a dog on the street.  He names the dog Ribsy because it is skinny.  Henry tries to take Ribsy home on a bus with strict rules against dogs.  Henry does funny things to hide Ribsy on the bus.  I enjoy reading this book very much because of the way Henry becomes friends with Ribsy, even though the dog can be difficult to control.

Beezus and Ramona is another funny book.  Beezus (nickname for Beatrice) lives with her four-year-old little sister, Ramona.  Ramona gets into all kinds of mischief.  One time, she wrote her name all over a library book.  Another time, she put a doll in the oven.  Many other funny things happen in this book.  This may be my favorite book written by Beverly Cleary because of Ramona’s many misunderstandings and escapades.  Anyone with a mischievous little sibling can relate to this book.

I also find Otis Spofford to be very funny.  Otis gets into lots of trouble.  One time he dressed up as a bull and attacked a matador during a mock bullfight at school.  Some of his classmates were not amused by his behavior, but the situation is humorous.  I enjoy Otis’ lively personality.  He is always trying to stir up excitement.

Even though they are written for young readers, I still thoroughly enjoy Beverly Cleary’s books.  I have read some of her books several times.  I highly recommend them, not only for young readers, but also for anyone who feels like reading a short and charming book.

-Oliver H. 

The works of Beverly Cleary are available for checkout from the Mission Viejo Library. They are also available to download from Overdrive.