Beverly Cleary is 99!

This woman and her effortless way of finding the humor, 3 dimensional humanity, and dignity in children, is why I write for middle grade readers. Hers were the books I kept near my nightstand long past the age they were "for my age". Instead of a stuffed animal, I stuffed my Ramona Quimby books under my mattress when I went to college - just in case a bout of homesickness hit. She is on my author wall in my classroom and she is in my heart when I write. Thank you Ms. Cleary.