My Own Two Feet

Told in her own words, My Own Two Feet is Newbery Medal–winning author Beverly Cleary’s second heartfelt and relatable memoir.

The New Yorker called Beverly Clearys first volume of memoirs, A Girl From Yamhill, "a warm, honest book, as interesting as any novel."

Now the creator of the classic childrens stories millions grew up with continues her own fascinating story. Here is Beverly Cleary, from college years to the publication of her first book. It is a fascinating look at her life and a writing career that spans three generations, continuing to capture the hearts and imaginations of children of all ages throughout the world.

Beverly Clearys books have sold more than 85 million copies and have been translated into twenty-nine different languages, which speaks to the worldwide reach and love of her stories. She was honored with a Newbery Honor for Ramona and Her Father and a second one for Ramona Quimby, Age 8. She received the John Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw, which was inspired by letters she’d received from children. Her autobiographies, A Girl from Yamhill and My Own Two Feet, are a wonderful way to get to know more about this most beloved childrens book author.

This honest and heartfelt author autobiography reveals the path from a determined young student to a celebrated writer:

An Inspirational Journey: Follow a young Beverly Cleary as she leaves her Oregon home to find her own two feet, navigating college, her first jobs, and falling in love during a time of national uncertainty. Life as a Librarian: Discover her experiences in libraries, where a young boys question—"Where are the books about kids like us?"—sparked the idea for the stories generations would come to love. The WWII Home Front: Step into her life during the war, from her work as a librarian at an army hospital to marrying her husband, Clarence, and starting a new life together. The Path to Publication: Go behind the scenes of her early writing process and the determination it took to write and publish her very first book, Henry Huggins.