Beverly Cleary's Classic Coming-of-Age Story, 'A Girl from Yamhill'

Topaz: Loved it

United States on May 05, 2023

Pjmorris: My 12 yr old’s Comp/Lit assignment was to read a biography and write an essay on it. My daughter picked this one! We were excited to learn more about Beverly! Glad my daughter asked me to sit down and read with her a couple chapters one Sunday afternoon- That’s when we read aloud all about her uncle sending her a love letter, trying to sneak in her room to sexually assault her, and how Beverly’s family dealt with it. It brought up some great discussion for our 12 yr old, however, if your not ready for your child to have this discussion… you might want to hold off on this book.
My daughter did say that this book was recommended for 9 and up.., but even she said: “this wouldn’t be something for 9 yr old to read by themselves, it would be confusing!”

United States on Dec 07, 2022

Pete Springer: I initially had some trouble getting into the book, but I thought the second half of Beverly Cleary's memoir was fascinating. I had a great sense of the effect that The Great Depression had on families economically and emotionally. Cleary's environment was so challenging and tense that she preferred hanging out with others.

Cleary's mother was unaffectionate, narcissistic, and controlling and seemed jealous of her daughter's attention to her writing. The other part of the story I found fascinating was the author's high school years as she navigated the challenges of being a teenager. I felt frustrated with her when she continued to date a boy she had no interest in and began to dislike him.

The author pulls no punches, and I felt I was getting the straight scoop, even when events did not present her in the best light. This is a YA book, so I wouldn't buy it for children.

United States on Apr 28, 2022

Avid reader: I could hardly put down this vivid, succinct, warm, honest, utterly readable memoir chronicling children's book author Beverly Cleary's early life in Oregon. The story really moves along and omits dull descriptions. It left me wanting more. But I had already read her only other memoir, MY OWN TWO FEET, which actually takes off after this one and chronicles her young adulthood leading up to when when she publishes her first book; it may be even more riveting. I feel that I know and like her from reading these books. I only wish she had continued with memoirs throughout her life. and had written adult fiction. I did love her children's books as a child and now am considering rereading some.

United States on Dec 11, 2020

D and J: This book, like her writing for children, was shot through with truth; true emotions as well as true events. It was an utter delight to read. Upon finishing it I immediately purchased her follow up memoir.

I highly recommend this book.

Canada on Nov 02, 2020

Meditator: Good, worth it.

India on Apr 09, 2018

S. Madan: I ordered Beverly Cleary's two autobiographies on Amazon, and recieved them last week. The first of the two is called, "A Girl From Yamhill" and the second is, "My Own Two Feet". Both are excellently written. The first is of her childhood until she goes off to college and the second is her college days and a few years beyond. She has a style of writing that makes you feel as though you have known her your whole life and are the dearest of friends. What amazed me the most about these books is how timeless they are. Even though she grew up during the depression and went to college before the advent of computers and the technology boom, it was eye opening to see that the human condition and experiences don't really change all that much. She is an excellent storyteller, and the words on the page lept into my mind's eye and I could see it unfold before as if I were watching it on a movie screen. I was sad to see the first book end, but glad that I had ordered the second book as well. Then when I finished the second book I found myself wishing that she had written another book to tell more of her life's stories. I finished reading them both within a couple of days and found myself doing...

United States on Mar 22, 2006