The 2016 Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award Winner has been announced! This year's winner is Charlie Bumpers vs. the Teacher of the Year by Bill Harley! Congratulations Bill!
Beloved children’s
book author Beverly Cleary was born on April 12th, 1916, in
McMinnville and raised in Portland. As a librarian, Cleary learned that
elementary school children were looking for and struggling to find books about
kids like themselves. In 1950, Cleary published her first book, Henry Huggins, which is about a boy, his dog, and his friends who live in the
Hollywood neighborhood in Portland.
Since then,
Beverly Cleary has published over 40 children’s books, most of which are still
in print and relevant to kids today. She has won many literary awards, including
the John Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw and Newbery Honors for
Ramona Quimby, Age 8 and Ramona and Her Father. Her most recent
book, Ramona’s World, was published in 1999. Beverly Cleary now lives in
California so she can be near her family.
OPB is
celebrating with an Oregon Art Beat special “Discovering Beverly Cleary”—the first-ever documentary about the author. It includes a rare, new
interview with Beverly Cleary herself! Watch the special on Thursday, April 7th at 8:00 p.m. on OPB TV or online at: www.opb.org/beverlycleary.
The 2013 Beverly Cleary Children's Choice Award winner has been announced! The winning book is Lulu and the Brontosaurus by Judith Viorst. This is the story about Lulu and how her parents refuse to give in when she demands a
brontosaurus for her birthday. So she sets out into the woods to find her own dinosaur. But when Lulu finds a
brontosaurus, she learns that her potential pet has other intentions. 
The Juvenile Fiction collection (also referred to as chapter books) is designed to meet the recreational and educational needs of children with a second to fifth grade reading level. The collection includes modern selections in genres such as mystery, fantasy, science fiction, sports, adventure, humor, historical fiction, plus many others. It includes lots of series books, and novels about contemporary boys and girls (also known as realistic fiction). Plus it also includes a lot of classics, in various editions, from authors Louisa May Alcott, Charles Dickens, and Mark Twain. Award winners and honor books of awards such as the Newbery Award are included in the collection. Current year Children’s Choice Award Nominees are included in the collection such as the Oregon Reader’s Choice Award and the Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award. Current year Oregon Battle of the Books are included in the collection, as well as local school Battle of the Books lists.
Duck on a Bike by David Shannon. Narrator Walter Mayes provides readers with a wealth of different barnyard animals as duck rides a bike all over the farm.
March On!: The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World by Christine King Farris. Listeners will be transported back in time to Martin Luther King, Jr.'s historic march on Washington during the Civil Rights movement.
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems. Playful and perfectly timed music interacts with a determined pigeon who wants to drive a bus, narrated by well loved authors, Mo Willems and Jon Scieszka. A 2004 Caldecott Honor Book and a 2010 Notable Children's Recording.
Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity by Mo Willems. Performed by Mo, his daughter Trixie, and wife Cheryl, who all make a great family team showing warmth and love. A 2008 Caldecott Honor Book and a 2010 Notable Children's Recording.
The Graveyard Book written by Neil Gaiman
The Surrender Tree: Poems of Cuba's Struggle for Freedom written by Margarita Engle
This book utilizes compelling free verse in alternating voices to lyrically tell the story of Cuba's three wars for independence from Spain. Combining real-life characters (such as legendary healer Rosa La Bayamesa) with imagined individuals, Engle focuses on Rosa's struggle to save everyone--black, white, Cuban, Spanish, friend or enemy.
Savvy written by Ingrid Law
This rich first-person narrative draws readers into a wild bus ride, winding through the countryside on a journey of self-discovery for Mibs Beaumont and her companions. Newcomer Law weaves a magical tall tale, using vivid language and lively personalities, all bouncing their way to a warm, satisfying conclusion.
After Tupac and D Foster written by Jacquline Woodson
This tightly woven novel looks back on two years in a New York City neighborhood, where life changes for two 11-year-olds when a new girl joins their game of double Dutch. Bonded by Tupac's music, the three girls explore the lure of freedom and build a friendship that redefines their own identities.
The House in the Night written by Susan Marie Swanson, illustrated by Beth Krommes Richly
Detailed black-and-white scratchboard illustrations expand this timeless bedtime verse, offering reassurance to young children that there is always light in the darkness. Krommes' elegant line, illuminated with touches of golden watercolor, evoke the warmth and comfort of home and family, as well as the joys of exploring the wider world.
The 2009 Caldecott honor books include:
A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever written and illustrated by Marla Frazee
How I Learned Geography written and illustrated by Uri Shulevitz
A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams written by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Melissa Sweet
April 12th is Beverly Cleary's birthday and Drop Everything and Read Day! I'm sure many of you grew up reading Cleary's wonderful books, and now you have little Ramonas and Henry Huggins of your own. When Cleary was a child living in Portland, she loved to read and she loved her library, but she often lamented that there were very few books that were just right for her; a kid living through the depression. She wanted to read about people that were like her friends: real kids with real problems who get caught up in hilarious situations. So, when Cleary grew up, she began writing.Come by the library and visit our Beverly Cleary and D.E.A.R. display display, or check out one of our many books by our beloved local author. You may want to start with Henry Huggins, her first book, her autobiography, The Girl from Yamhill, or, my personal favorite, Dear Mr. Henshaw, a story about a boy who writes letters to his favorite children's author. The letters become like a diary.
To find out more about D.E.A.R. Day and Beverly Cleary, follow this link: http://www.dropeverythingandread.com/
