Newbery Books Worth Reading: Ramona Quimby, Age 8

I loved the Ramona books when I was a child. I was excited to see that there would be reprintings of some Beverly Cleary books to celebrate her 100th birthday. One of those was Ramona Quimby, Age 8. I just started reading it with my daughter. Childhood memories came flooding back and I really saw why Beverly Cleary is such a great children's writer: she remembers what it's like to be a kid.

If you or your kids have never read Beverly Cleary books, you need to add them to your to be read list. Ramona appeals to girls because she's a girl, but Cleary has many books with boy protagonists too. Check the shelves for her books the next time you're at the library.

Did you grow up alongside Ramona?

__________

Ramona Quimby, Age 8
By Beverly Cleary
Illustrated by Jaqueline Rogers
Foreword by Amy Poehler
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year: 2016
Ages/Themes: Early Readers, Newbery Honor Books, Newbery Books Worth Reading

Happy 100th Birthday to Beverly Cleary

Image from Powells.com, one of my favorite independent bookstores.

I'm a day late, but children's book author Beverly Cleary turned 100 yesterday. I grew up with Ramona. I remember reading her squeezing all the toothpaste out of a tube and pulling all the tissues out of a box and really wanting to do those things too. I was a rule follower and was envious of free-spirited Ramona. Through her, I got to experience things I was too timid and cautious to do myself.

To celebrate Cleary's birthday, three of her books are being released with special new forewords. I have the new edition of Ramona Quimby, Age 8 hiding in my closet waiting for my daughter's 7th birthday next month.

April has also been declared D.E.A.R. month--Drop Everything And Read--to encourage kids to make reading a priority.

Did you read Beverly Cleary books growing up? Which was your favorite?