About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the pressure to be perfect or feels like their creative dreams are out of step with their environment. Beverly Cleary, the beloved creator of Ramona Quimby, shares her own upbringing in Depression-era Oregon, moving from the freedom of a farm to the rigid expectations of city life and school. It is a deeply honest look at the friction between a child's inner world and a parent's high expectations. This memoir explores themes of resilience, the discovery of a lifelong passion for writing, and the often difficult relationship between a mother and daughter. While it provides the backstory for many of Cleary's iconic characters, it also serves as a realistic portrait of a young girl finding her voice despite financial hardship and emotional loneliness. It is best suited for middle schoolers who appreciate nuanced, real-life stories about growing up.
