I know there are lots of adults who don’t like Ramona Quimby (“she’s a brat” etc.) but when I was a kid I remember reading those books and positively wondering how an adult could have written them. How could an adult remember what it was like to feel so frustrated with the world that was beyond the control of a child to change? I remember, very clearly, thinking that Beverly Cleary was proof that not all adults were like the ones in my life (whom I was so frustrated with at the time!), and some adults *must* remember how hard it is to be a kid.
I’m not claiming the Ramona books as high literature, but I think Cleary really does get a certain kind of kid in a certain phase of childhood.
That's a wonderful review. I think Beverly Clearly certainly meets the criteria! I remember enjoying Ramona but was perhaps not quite the target audience in the way you were. I love that for you!!
I humbly suggest Ray Bradbury for your list! Dandelion Wine especially feels like living all the joys and aches of childhood over again every time I read it.
I know there are lots of adults who don’t like Ramona Quimby (“she’s a brat” etc.) but when I was a kid I remember reading those books and positively wondering how an adult could have written them. How could an adult remember what it was like to feel so frustrated with the world that was beyond the control of a child to change? I remember, very clearly, thinking that Beverly Cleary was proof that not all adults were like the ones in my life (whom I was so frustrated with at the time!), and some adults *must* remember how hard it is to be a kid.
I’m not claiming the Ramona books as high literature, but I think Cleary really does get a certain kind of kid in a certain phase of childhood.
That's a wonderful review. I think Beverly Clearly certainly meets the criteria! I remember enjoying Ramona but was perhaps not quite the target audience in the way you were. I love that for you!!
I love this, Ellen.
Thanks Daddy! <3
Milne is so good, he makes it look easy!
SO true.
I humbly suggest Ray Bradbury for your list! Dandelion Wine especially feels like living all the joys and aches of childhood over again every time I read it.
I love it! I haven't read Dandelion Wine--adding it to the list!