A Girl from Yamhill

This was delightful reading. I enjoyed reading about the origins of a wonderful children's author. I found that this read like fiction, holding my interest throughout. I went right from this book to Cleary's follow-up memoir, My Own Two Feet.

I can not stop reading this book! It starts off simple withsome vivid memories that introduce the characters, and then as we goon we find out some hilariously funny - and serious - things that have happened to her. There is the time she and a little boy, around aged three, found out the way to tell if a baby's a boy or a girl. What may amaze some readers is that there is no sign of telling about the birds and the bees, but one time at age 12, she comes down with the flu and the doctor asks if "Mother knows about the moon and it's monthly changes". This book goes all the way to graduation from high school, with vivid descriptions and even photographs with it. You'll not want it to end, but don't worry! "My Own 2 Feet" is a good sequel!

Wonderful autobiography by Beverly Cleary. When I first read it in 4th grade I felt so adult to be reading a 300 word book, but it really wasn't that bad because I was so involved in it. I highly recommend it to readers 8-12 (especially girls) and anyone who likes her books. And like I said, its like, totally cool dude. : )

I grew up in the 1970's reading Beverly Cleary cover to cover and voraciously! I LIVED to get another Beverly Cleary book. I am now an 8th grade Reading teacher, and kids still love her books to pieces (sometimes literally). A student of mine who is researching Cleary for her author research project showed me this book. I read it in its entirety in 24 hours. I literally could not put it down. I recognized many episodes in her life that showed up in her books. I was surprised to find out she was an only child. For some reason, I always thought she had an older sister like Beezus! Beverly Cleary is the greatest!

Painfully honest and funny, Beverly Cleary's memoirs are a complement to her stories of children such as Ramona and Henry Huggins. The Depression, rural vs city life and a reserved, difficult mother are some of the things that engage the sympathy and interest of readers. Should be followed up with the second volume, Her Own Two Feet. I hope she lives to write many more!!