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[Jillian]

Do you ever wonder how your favorite writers got started? What their life was like before their writing was famous? Where their minds always flooded with ideas? What struggles did they face? If so try reading Beverly Cleary's memoir My Own Two Feet. The setting of this book is around the time of the depression era, specially 1934-1950. The story is mainly in Oregon and California. Key family members in Beverly's life include her parents, grandparents, and Aunt Verna. Her key friends include Nora, Miriam, Virginia, and Bob. Beverly's "love interests" include a boy she referred to as "Gerhart", Paul, and Clarence Cleary. One the key person in her career is Elizabeth Hamilton.
There are many reason to read this book, the following reasons are my top three. Most of you have read one of Beverly Cleary's many books in your life. If you loved Beverly Cleary books as a child you'll enjoy the story of how she became a writer. Another reason to read the book is that it gives insight on what life was like during the depression days. As well as some history from that time period. Due to that fact I would recommend the book to preteens, or young high level readers. My final reason is that Beverly is an inspirational role model, and has some of the qualities we talk about in aspire. For example, she tried to be independent. She did her part and earned money to pay bills instead of letting her parent pay her way for everything. Also, through her journey to becoming a writer you can see that she had a growth mindset, because she constantly pushed herself to to better. As you read you can tell she was gritty person. She set a goals and accomplishment them,even though she faced challenges. She wanted to be come a writer/librarian, and she did after many difficult years of college. She wanted to write a children's book. Instead she wrote more than 30 books for young adults and children. As well as won three Newbery Honor Awards. My Own Two Feet