Beverly Cleary Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Beverly Cleary books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

Beverly Cleary was more than just a writer — she was a storyteller who captured the magic of childhood in a way that few others have. Born on April 12, 1916, in McMinnville, Oregon, she grew up in a time very different from today. But the feelings, dreams, and challenges of children were always at the heart of her stories, and that’s why they continue to resonate with readers around the world. For many generations, Cleary’s books have been a first window into the world of reading — and for good reason.

Cleary didn’t have an easy start as a reader herself. As a young girl, she struggled to read and was even placed in a group for slow readers at school, something she later admitted made her feel embarrassed. But that moment became a turning point in her life. Thanks to a kind school librarian who took the time to guide her, young Beverly discovered a love for books. It didn’t happen overnight, but once it clicked, it opened the door to an imagination that would eventually gift us more than 30 timeless books.

She went on to study English at the University of California, Berkeley, and later earned a degree in library science. Before she became an author, she worked as a children’s librarian. This experience played a major role in shaping her as a writer. She saw firsthand what children were looking for in books — real stories about real kids like themselves. Many children would come to her asking for books about “kids like us,” but there weren’t enough of those on the shelves. So, she decided to write them herself.

Her first book, Henry Huggins, was published in 1950. It introduced readers to characters who felt familiar, almost like friends from the neighborhood. Henry, his dog Ribsy, and the lively girl next door — Ramona Quimby — became household names. Over time, Ramona would become the star of her own series, with books like Ramona the Pest and Ramona and Her Mother becoming bestsellers. These stories didn’t rely on fantasy or superheroes. Instead, they focused on ordinary childhood experiences — feeling misunderstood, being embarrassed in class, or getting into trouble for reasons that didn’t always make sense.

What made Beverly Cleary’s books truly special was her ability to understand kids on their level. Her characters felt real because they were inspired by everyday life. She once said she wrote about normal children who dealt with the same challenges most kids face while growing up — friendship troubles, school problems, sibling arguments, and the need to be heard. And she did it all with a warm sense of humor and deep respect for young readers.

Over her long and remarkable career, Cleary sold over 91 million copies of her books worldwide. That’s a number few authors ever reach — especially in children’s literature. Her work earned numerous awards, including the Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw and the National Book Award for Ramona and Her Mother. She was also honored with the National Medal of Arts, a recognition of her incredible contribution to American culture and literature.

Despite all the awards and recognition, Beverly Cleary stayed grounded. She lived a quiet life with her husband Clarence, whom she married in 1940 after a love story that included running away together. They eventually settled in Carmel, California, where she continued to write and reflect on childhood memories and the joys and challenges of growing up.

Beverly Cleary passed away on March 25, 2021, at the incredible age of 104. Yet her stories remain very much alive. Today, her books continue to be recommended by teachers, librarians, and parents who know that sometimes, the best way to understand a child’s world is through a well-written story.

Whether you’re reading about Ramona squeezing an entire toothpaste tube into the sink or Henry’s adventures with his dog Ribsy, there’s always something familiar, comforting, and even wise in Cleary’s writing. She didn’t just create characters — she created companions. And for that, readers of all ages will always be grateful.