Jewish holidays often mean we fall behind on current news. Although this is a rather minor item, I have just learned of the death of a beloved author of children’s books, Beverly Cleary. In her 104 years, she published upwards of 49 books. In recent years, I heard her name often because of our granddaughters’ fondness for the Ramona Quimby books. The first book in the series, Beezus and Ramona, appeared in 1955. The final book, Ramona's World, was published in 1999.
But the Beverly Cleary book I remember fondly was Fifteen, published in 1956. Although I was all of four years old at that time, the book was still quite popular when I came of age to read it ten years or so later, probably more than once. The main character, Jane, is a fifteen-year-old girl who is just discovering young love. I do not recall any of our granddaughters reading this one, and I suppose that by today’s standards it probably seems a bit sappy and silly. But it is available on Kindle for just $3.99, and remains a classic in my mind.
Today is the second day of the trial of Derek Chauvin in the May 24, 2020 murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The witnesses testifying today are all young people, one only 9 years old. These minors are not being shown on camera, only their voices are heard. It is so much easier to think about Beverly Cleary.
Stay well.
Love,
Rebecca
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