She wrote about the kinds of kids she saw around her. Funny, adventurous, opinionated and brave. Sounds like common sense, but it was ground-breaking. With more than 90 million copies sold, Beverly Cleary‘s books have touched people around the world and influenced generations. National Book Award. Newbery Medal and Honors. The world lost a great when she passed away last week. But the impact of her characters lives on: Ramona Quimby. Beezus. Henry Huggins. Names etched in many hearts and minds, they allow kids to see themselves and each other, to explore, problem solve and celebrate life. Thank you, Beverly Cleary, for your genius, heart for children and vision.

Here are some articles and essays celebrating her incredible contributions:

Fans Share Favorite Beverly Cleary Memories After Famed Children’s Book Author Dies at 104

What Ramona Quimby Taught Me About Taking Up Space

HarperCollins Mourns the Loss of Beloved Children’s Book Author Beverly Cleary

The Book Community Reacts to the Passing of Beverly Cleary

Want to follow in Beverly Cleary’s footsteps and write for children? Here are a few events, classes and resources.

Events:

In celebration of Children’s Book Week, join me in conversation with three acclaimed Black children’s book creators on Thursday, May 6 at 5:30 p.m. Panelists will include author Fracaswell Hyman, author-illustrator Vanessa Brantley Newton, and author Carole Boston Weatherford. A Q&A will follow the discussion. The event is sponsored by the Durham Public Library and Durham Arts Council. Details here.

Classes:

John Claude Bemis. Does his name sound familiar? He’s one of our amazing past Piedmont Laureates and an acclaimed children’s book author. There are a few spots left in his Creating Stories for Young Readers workshop at the Table Rock Writers Workshop. John is generous, talented and has won awards for his teaching. Check out this chance to learn from one of the greats. Learn more here.

Want to learn how to use techniques from cinema to engage readers? Cinda Williams Chima is leading a webinar titled Lights, Camera, Action: Using Cinematic Techniques to Deliver Character and Story on Thursday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. It’s sponsored by SCBWI-Carolinas. Find out more here.

Resources:

SCBWI – “The international professional organization for authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults.”

The Authors Guild – “. . . the nation’s oldest and largest professional organization of writers.”

Highlights Foundation – ” . . . helps children’s authors and illustrators hone their craft through intimate and inspiring workshops.”

Children’s Book Council (CBC) – ” . . . the nonprofit trade association of children’s book publishers in North America, dedicated to supporting the industry and promoting children’s books and reading.”

The Brown Bookshelf – “ . . . designed to push awareness of the myriad Black voices writing for young readers.”

We Need Diverse Books – ” a 501(c)(3) non-profit and a grassroots organization of children’s book lovers that advocates essential changes in the publishing industry to produce and promote literature that reflects and honors the lives of all young people.”