My Own Two Feet by Beverly Cleary

My Own Two Feet: A Memoir
by Beverly Cleary [jB C57] 

Beverly Cleary has long been one of my favorite authors of children’s fiction. Mostly known for her series of books about Ramona Quimby, she published two books about her own life which answered questions I had always wondered about: What was her upbringing like in Oregon and what led her to want to write books for children? I have always felt that Mrs. Cleary was a kindred spirit: both of us have family ties to Oregon, we are both English majors and both pursued librarianship as a career. This particular book begins with her trip from Portland, Oregon to Ontario, California where she has the opportunity to live with a cousin’s family while attending a community college. I loved the descriptions of California as seen from the eyes of a young woman leaving home for the first time. The difficulties she faced from her family to the effects of the Depression on everyone she knows are described with bittersweet melancholy throughout the story of her undergraduate years. My favorite part of the book is when she finally lands the Children’s Librarian position in Yakima, Washington. At that time, librarians were required to learn and memorize the stories they shared during story time. No doubt this experience helped Beverly to hone her skills as a narrator when she turned to writing books for children. Her ability to see things from a child’s point of view is what makes her writing stand out from other children’s authors of her generation. Beverly Cleary has left a legacy of excellent stories for children and adults that will last for generations to come. At this time (January 2018), Mrs. Cleary is still alive and living in California at age 101. I recommend this book to anyone who shares a love of her writing.

[If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try A Girl From Yamhill: A Memoir, by Beverly Cleary.]

[ publisher’s official My Own Two Feet: A Memoir web page ] | [ official Beverly Cleary web site ]

Recommended by Kim J.
Bennett Martin Public Library

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