For more than fifty years, Beverly Cleary has delighted young readers, particularly 8-12 year olds, with her humorous, yet realistic, stories about the ordinary lives of children. She has won numerous awards, including the Newbery Medal. Two of her books about Ramona Quimby were designated Newbery Honor Books. In 2003, Cleary became the second children's author to be recognized with a National Medal of Arts; author and illustrator MauriceSendak was the first.

When she began writing, Cleary created Klickitat Street, based on her childhood neighborhood. The children who live on Klickitat Street are based on the children she grew up with. Fourteen of Cleary's books are set on Klickitat Street, beginning with her first book, "Henry Huggins," published in 1950. The most recent was "Ramona's World," published in 1999.

Did you read Beverly Cleary books when you were growing up? Do your children read them? Who are your favorite characters? Let me know by posting your comments on the About Children's Books Forum.