Beverly Cleary has somehow managed to remember the intricate workings of a young girl's mind and heart. With several dozen children's books and many awards under her belt, she is one of America's most beloved authors. Winner of the Newbery Medal for Dear Mr. Henshaw, as well as the Newbery Honor for Ramona and Her Father and Ramona Quimby, Age 8, Cleary balances raucously funny childhood adventures with poignantly real circumstances and emotions. Alan Tiegreen's clever line drawings have faithfully accompanied many of Cleary's books over the years. (Ages 8 to 12) --Emilie Coulter